Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are hard, grainy growths that usually appear on the heels or balls of the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While most plantar warts are not a serious health concern and may not require treatment, they can eventually cause discomfort or pain.
The HPV virus responsible enters the body through breaks in the skin, small cuts and weak spots on the bottom of your feet. It shows up as a small, fleshy, rough growth with hard, thickened skin over a well-defined spot on the skin; the wart may develop black pinpoints known as “wart seeds”.
While anyone can develop plantar warts, some are more at risk than others:
- Children and teenagers.
- Those with weakened immune systems.
- Those who’ve had previous plantar warts.
Prevention & Treatment
Your podiatrist may prescribe a medication that helps remove layers of skin associated with the wart or may freeze the wart off. For more severe cases, your podiatrist may recommend a minor in-office procedure to remove the wart.
When To Seek Care
You should make an appointment to see your podiatrist if your plantar wart is painful, notice a change in its appearance or color, or it returns after treatment. Seek treatment early if you have a weakened immune system, diabetes or poor sensation in your feet.
