A wart is a small growth on the skin that develops when the skin is infected by a virus. Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts most commonly occur in children, adolescents, and the elderly.
There are two types of plantar warts:
A solitary wart is a single wart. It often increases in size and may eventually multiply, forming additional “satellite” warts.
Mosaic warts are a cluster of several small warts growing closely together in one area. Mosaic warts are more difficult to treat than solitary warts.
Causes
Plantar warts are caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is the same virus that causes warts on other areas of the body.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a plantar wart may include:
- Thickened skin. Often a plantar wart resembles a callus because of its tough, thick tissue.
- Pain. Walking and standing may be painful. Squeezing the sides of the wart may also cause pain.
- Tiny black dots. These often appear on the surface of the wart. The dots are actually dried blood contained in the capillaries (tiny blood vessels).
Plantar warts grow deep into the skin. Usually this growth occurs slowly, with the wart starting small and becoming larger over time.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose a plantar wart, we will examine the patient’s foot and look for signs and symptoms of a wart. Although plantar warts may eventually clear up on their own, most patients desire faster relief. The goal of treatment is to completely remove the wart.
In our office, we may use topical or oral treatments, cryotherapy (freezing), Cantharone, acid treatments, or surgery to remove the wart. We also offer an exciting new technology called Swift Wart Treatment, that utilizes microwaves to "uncloak" the wart virus to help your body produce an immune response to fighting off the infection.
Regardless of the treatment approaches undertaken, it is important that the patient follow our instructions, including all home care and medication that has been prescribed, as well as follow-up visits with us. Warts may return, requiring further treatment.
If there is no response to treatment, further diagnostic evaluation may be necessary. In such cases, we can perform a biopsy to rule out other potential causes for the growth.
Although there are many folk remedies for warts, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous. Patients should never try to remove warts themselves. This can do more harm than good.
At Council Bluffs Foot & Ankle Care, our physicians are experts in the treatment of warts. We will take time to discuss the available treatment alternatives and will work to resolve the condition quickly and effectively. Call or text today to make an appointment!