Plantar warts are small growths that usually appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of your feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus virus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks. These warts are often flat due to the pressure exerted on them when walking or standing. They can be painful, especially when located on pressure points.
Identification
You might have plantar warts if you notice small, rough, and grainy lesions on your feet. These warts often have a hardened, callus-like surface, and you may see black pinpoints within the wart, which are small, clotted blood vessels. If you experience pain or tenderness when walking or standing, it could be due to plantar warts.
Plantar warts are relatively common, particularly among children and teenagers, but they can affect individuals of any age. Research suggests that about 10% of people will experience a plantar wart at some point in their lives. The prevalence is higher in those who frequently walk barefoot in communal areas, such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and public showers, where the HPV is more easily transmitted. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also more susceptible to developing plantar warts.
Treatment
Treatment involves several options. Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can help remove the wart layer by layer. Applying these treatments daily and gently filing the wart before each application increases their effectiveness. Cryotherapy freezes the wart, causing it to fall off. In more persistent cases, a skin specialists might use stronger acids, laser therapy, or surgical removal.
Prevention
Plantar warts can return after treatment, particularly if the virus remains in the skin. Reinfection is possible, especially if the immune system does not clear the HPV virus entirely. Practicing good foot hygiene, avoiding walking barefoot in public areas, and using protective footwear can help prevent recurrence.
If the they are painful, widespread, or persist despite treatment, seeking medical advice is recommended. A skin specialist can offer stronger treatments and ensure proper diagnosis, ruling out other conditions that may mimic plantar warts.
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