How To Determine if You Have Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are small skin growths typically found on the soles of the feet. These spots are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) when they enter through cuts or breaks in your skin. This foot condition may cause pain and discomfort, so it’s best to treat it immediately. To find out if you have plantar warts, here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Appearance
You may recognize a plantar wart from its rough, fleshy, and grainy appearance. It may also have black dots or pinpoints on the surface, called wart seeds, which are dried blood vessels. Having thick, hardened, or callused spots on the bottom of your foot may also be a sign of a wart. To get the right diagnosis, you can always talk to a podiatrist.

• Location
Plantar warts often develop on the weight-bearing areas, such as the heel or ball of your feet, making standing or walking quite uncomfortable. Sometimes, warts may also appear on, around, or between your toes.

• Symptoms
Although some people don’t experience painful symptoms with plantar warts, others do. The pain is usually described as a sharp burning sensation, which can also be accompanied by tenderness. Because of this, standing, walking, and going about your daily routines can become difficult over time.

How Can You Treat Plantar Warts?

While plantar warts often go away on their own, it’s still best to have them removed immediately, especially if you have an autoimmune disease or a compromised immune system. Doing so also prevents the infection from worsening or spreading further.

Some common plantar wart treatments include over-the-counter medications, prescription topical creams, freezing, laser therapy, or even surgery. The type of procedure will depend on your overall condition. So, if you have developed a plantar wart, it’s best to consult a foot doctor for a proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Get in Touch With a Trusted Podiatrist

Learning how to recognize plantar warts will help you get prompt treatment as necessary. If you suspect you have this foot condition, it’s best to see a podiatrist immediately. Contact Thomas Podiatry & Associates in Salisbury, MD for reliable podiatric services.