Plantar wart

Plantar wart

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Plantar Warts: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, are common skin lesions that affect the sole of the foot and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In this article, we will explore in detail the causes, treatments, and prevention measures for plantar warts, as well as their impact on podiatric health.

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are benign growths of the skin that develop on the sole of the foot due to an infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts are usually flat or slightly raised and can cause discomfort when walking or standing due to the pressure exerted on them.

Causes of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are caused by HPV infection, which can enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or areas of damaged skin on the sole of the foot. Once the virus penetrates the skin, it can cause abnormal growth of cells in the top layer of the skin, resulting in wart formation.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Common symptoms of plantar warts include:

Small, rough bumps on the sole of the foot.
Pain or tenderness when walking or standing.
Thickening of the skin in the affected area.
Black dots in the center of the wart due to coagulated blood vessels.

Treatments for Plantar Warts

Several treatments are available for plantar warts, including:

• Topical Medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as salicylic acid, can be applied to the wart to help gradually remove it.
• Cryotherapy: This procedure involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy the infected cells.
• Curettage and Electrosurgery: In this procedure, the podiatrist surgically removes the wart using a sharp scalpel or an electric current to destroy the affected cells.
• Immunotherapy Injections: Some patients may benefit from injections of antigen or interferon to stimulate the immune system and fight HPV infection.
• Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is used to destroy the infected cells of the wart without damaging surrounding tissue.

Prevention of Plantar Warts

To prevent plantar warts, it is recommended to:

• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms.
• Keep the feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
• Wear sandals in damp areas and avoid sharing shoes or socks.
• Avoid touching warts on one's own skin or others'.

Impact on Podiatric Health

Plantar warts can significantly impact podiatric health by causing pain and discomfort when walking or standing. Additionally, they can interfere with normal foot function and increase the risk of developing other complications, such as secondary infections or gait deformities.

Conclusion

In summary, plantar warts are common skin lesions caused by HPV infection that affect the sole of the foot. While they can be bothersome and painful, there are several treatments available to remove plantar warts and restore podiatric health. Additionally, taking preventive measures, such as keeping the feet clean and avoiding contact with warts, can help reduce the risk of developing these skin lesions in the future.

If you have plantar warts or other concerns related to podiatric health, we recommend consulting a podiatrist for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. A podiatrist can provide you with the guidance and care needed to address your concerns and improve your overall podiatric health.