Preventing and Treating Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot caused by coming in contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some people are more at risk than others to the virus, and not everyone who comes in contact with it will develop plantar warts. People who have damaged skin on the feet or weak immune systems are more at risk for plantar warts. Today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing information regarding this condition.

These warts most often develop on the parts of the foot that bear your body’s weight – which is the ball or heel of the foot – and cause sharp, burning pain. They can appear as a single wart or a cluster of several warts.

Common plantar wart symptoms may include:

• Pain or discomfort when standing or walking;
• Thick, scaly skin that often looks like a callus;
• Flat, hard growths that have prominent boundaries;
• Tiny black specks on the surface of the wart.

Most warts go away with at-home care and, therefore, don’t require medical intervention.

Steps you can take to prevent and treat plantar warts, including:

• Changing your socks and shoes each day;
• Keeping your feet dry and clean;
• Avoiding picking at warts as the virus can spread;
• Avoiding direct contact with another person who has plantar warts;
• Checking your child's feet regularly;
• Refraining from walking barefoot, especially in public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers.

You should never ignore skin changes or growths on your feet.  Seek care from a podiatrist when warts begin to interfere with your daily life, aren't responding to home treatments, or if you have circulatory disorders.

Contact us right away if your foot warts:

• Change shape or color;
• Cause unbearable discomfort and pain;
• Interfere with your daily activities;
• Reappear or multiply.

Without treatment, plantar warts can grow, spread, and encourage new warts to grow as fast as the old ones disappear. If you can't positively identify a growth on your foot, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, at (425) 455-0936 to schedule an appointment right away.