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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.
Tips for Reducing Risks of Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are skin growths that develop on the soles of the feet, typically on the heels and under the toes, which are the areas more prone to pressure. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that enters the skin through tiny cuts or scrapes. Anyone can develop this foot problem, but those who are most at risk include children, teenagers, and immunocompromised individuals.
Besides causing pain and discomfort, plantar warts may also alter the way you stand and walk if it’s left untreated for an extended period. In some severe cases, you may even have to get plantar wart treatment. To reduce your risks of developing these warts, read on for some helpful tips.
Never Walk Around Barefoot
The virus that causes plantar warts may spread on various surfaces, especially in public places. So, always wear the proper footwear when you’re outside. It also grows in warm, moist areas, so it’s crucial to wear slippers or sandals if you’re heading to the gym or locker rooms. Doing this also prevents the possibility of getting any foot injuries that may allow the HPV virus to penetrate the skin and cause plantar warts.
Do Not Touch and Pick at the Warts
If you or someone you know already have warts, refrain from touching or picking at them with your bare hands. Aside from possibly spreading them to the other parts of your body, you may also put more people at risk of developing this foot condition. If you must touch your plantar warts, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after getting in contact with them.
Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Proper foot hygiene helps reduce the risk of developing plantar warts. So, wash your feet regularly with disinfecting soap and dry them well afterwards. If you’re wearing socks, change them multiple times a day to prevent the buildup of sweat and oils that may cause fungal infections.
Leaving your feet damp throughout the day allows more foot problems to develop, such as blisters and abrasions. When this happens, viruses may enter your foot more easily, putting you at risk of plantar warts.
Talk to a Trusted Foot Doctor
Now that you know about these precautions, you can reduce your risks of developing plantar warts. While they may be common and treatable, there are some instances where warts might require more comprehensive treatments. If you’re looking for plantar warts treatment in Salisbury, MD, reach out to our experts at Thomas Podiatry & Associates.