What are warts?
Warts, also called plantar warts, are small fleshy growths that usually appear on the balls and heels of your feet. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). If you have tiny cuts or cracks in the skin of your feet, the virus can get into these weak areas and take hold.
Most plantar warts aren’t a serious concern and go away using conservative treatments. However, if your warts get worse or they affect your ability to walk or run comfortably, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
What are the symptoms of warts?
The symptoms of plantar warts vary from person to person, but the telltale signs to watch for include:
- Hard, thickened skin
- Small, fleshy growths
- Pain when walking or standing
- Tenderness when walking or standing
- Lesions that interrupt the lines and ridges of the skin of your foot
Most plantar warts also have a black dot or “seed” in the middle. These are small, clotted blood vessels that feed the wart.
Is there any way to prevent warts?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent warts entirely, but you can take steps to significantly lower your risk. The team at Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists recommends:
- Avoiding direct contact with warts
- Keeping your feet clean and dry
- Not picking or scratching at warts
- Avoiding walking barefoot in public facilities
If you want to avoid plantar warts, you should also purchase an emery board and toenail clippers for yourself. Sharing these and other personal hygiene items can easily spread HPV from one person to another.
How are warts diagnosed?
To diagnose warts, the team at Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists examines your foot, reviews your medical history, and asks questions about your symptoms.
They might also pair one of your warts with a scalpel to find the “seed,” or they might remove a small section of a wart and send it to a lab for analysis.
How are warts treated?
Treatment for plantar warts depends on the severity of your condition. If you only have one or two warts, they could go away on their own. However, if your warts are painful or spreading, you’ll probably benefit from an in-office treatment.
Your podiatrist might recommend removing your warts with a chemical solution like salicylic acid or they might recommend freezing your warts with cryotherapy. If these treatments don’t work, surgery could be necessary.
Warts are common but they don’t have to keep you from living an active, healthy lifestyle. To request an appointment at Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists today, call the office or click the online booking tool.
