What are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are a relatively harmless growth on the soles of the feet but can be annoying or embarrassing and sometimes painful when left untreated. They tend to be more common in adults as opposed to children but can develop in people of any age. Typically plantar warts will go away on their own in a matter of months, especially in children under 12, although treatment is required if you’d like to get rid of them sooner.
Causes of Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the papillomavirus or HPV when it enters through cuts or weak spots in the skin. There are more than 100 strains of the virus, but only a few of them will result in plantar warts on your feet. Some people may be exposed to the virus and never develop plantar warts, while others may. While not highly contagious from person to person, the strain of virus that causes plantar warts thrives in warm, moist places – so contracting the virus in places like public pools or locker rooms is common.
Symptoms of Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are evident by small, hard growths on the soles of feet. They can sometimes be under a callous. Often plantar warts have small black dots in the center, also called wart seeds. Plantar warts can grow in clusters or spread to different areas of the foot. Plantar warts can be painful or tender when walking, bleed, or persist even after treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Warts
Diagnosis of a plantar wart or warts is relatively easy by a trained medical professional upon inspection. Looking at pictures of plantar warts can also give you a good image to compare to.
There are several ways to treat plantar warts, although often they will go away on their own without medical intervention. Salicylic and lactic acid may work to treat the infected area. More intensive treatments involve freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen or attempting to destroy the wart with an electrical current.