Plantar warts
(also known as Verruca plantaris, or
verrucas)
are common warts that are found on the sole of
the foot (plantar surface). They are caused by
the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Warts are in fact benign (non cancerous)
growths. Unlike other types of warts that grow
outward, plantar warts grow inwards, into the
deeper layers of the skin, this is due to the
pressure of standing & walking on the feet.
How to you catch plantar warts?
People become infected when they come into
contact with the virus via tiny cuts & breaks in
the skin. For example walking bare footed on wet
flooring around swimming pools. Some people are
more susceptible to plantar warts than others.
Symptoms appear weeks or months after initial
exposure, making it difficult to determine how
or where infection occurred.
Signs of plantar warts:
- Warts commonly affect weight bearing
areas of the feet such as the balls of the
foot or the heels.
- Unlike other warts, because of their
location, plantar warts can be painful.
- Warts are small, flat, & round in
appearance. They are skin coloured, with
tiny red or black dots within (these are
tiny blood vessels). They may bleed if
scratched.
- Warts may be singular or multiple. Small
or large.
Treatment of plantar warts:
Warts will disappear on their own in many
cases. If warts don't disappear, or they cause
discomfort, then there are several ways to
remove the warts. These include;
- Salicylic acid - Available from
your chemist, these are painted on to the
wart. Care is needed to avoid applying the
paint to normal skin as this will cause
burning.
- Cryosurgery - Freezing the warts off
with liquid nitrogen.
-
Surgical excision: Performed under local
anesthetic, warts are cut out. This may
leave some scarring.
- Laser therapy
-
5-Fluorouracil cream
-A cream is applied to the
wart or twice a day for 1-2 weeks. It works
by destroying rapidly dividing cells. The
area may become red and inflamed during
treatment.
Also see:
Athlete's Foot,
Black Toenail,
Bunions,
Chilblains, Corns,
Cracked
Heels,
Foot Care,
Hammer Toe,
Ingrown
Toenails,
Onychomycosis,
Plantar Warts,
Smelly Feet
