April Showers Bring May Flowers and Sometimes… Plantar Warts!
Hey guys!
It is finally spring, and the areas are loosening rules on the pandemic. This means people are finally getting outside and back to normal routines for the summer. I know my kids are more than ready to hit the water park this summer. People will pack public pools and amusement parks full making up for lost time.
With all the hot weather, wet shoes, bare feet, and big trips planned, you need to be aware of the risk of plantar warts.
Plantar warts are no joke. Those with healthy immune systems are at a lower risk of contracting plantar warts, but no one is completely safe. Anyone who has suffered from them knows they are not only an inconvenience, but they can be downright painful.
Below I will breakdown exactly what a plantar wart is, what causes them, how to treat them, and when to see your foot and ankle surgeon.
What is a plantar wart?
Plantar warts are small growths caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). If a tiny cut or weak spot on the bottom of your foot is present, HPV has a chance to enter your body and infect it. A plantar wart is just that. Overall, we only find plantar warts on the bottom of your feet, particularly in weight-bearing areas. Plantar warts can plague both the heel and ball of the foot.
Because of the pressure felt by the sole of your foot, plantar warts often grow inward and are covered by a thick layer of skin called a callus. Plantar warts are usually the size of a pencil eraser, but may grow bigger.
Plantar warts are easily diagnosed by the skin growth on the sole of the foot. When looking at the bottom of your foot, you will see a small bump or growth. Also, they can appear individually or in small clusters. You will probably see small black dots on the surface, but this is not always the case. Finally, plantar warts make walking and standing painful.
While most warts are not a medical concern, you may want to remove your wart for cosmetic concerns or to relieve pain.
What causes plantar warts?
The primary cause of plantar warts is the virus, HPV. Moreover, the virus finds a weakness in your sole like a cut or break and enters your skin. With this in mind, warts and HPV are spread from person to person, usually through indirect contact.
In water parks and public pools, people walk around barefoot, opening themselves up to contracting HPV through their skin. Also, walking barefoot may lead to cuts or damage to the soles of your feet.
While the risk for those with healthy immune systems is small, the possibility is still there.
What are some risk factors for plantar warts?
Like all viruses, everyone responds to an attack of HPV differently. Some people are simply more susceptible to warts than others. All the virus needs is a slight break in your skin to enter.
Individuals who walk around warm and damp environments barefoot are at the highest risk. Anyone who walks around communal showers, water parks, pools, or locker rooms is at risk for plantar warts.
Almost everyone will develop a wart at one time in their life. In fact, HPV is one of the most common viruses in the world. However, individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have had plantar warts are at the highest risk.
How do I prevent plantar warts?
The easiest way to prevent plantar warts is to wear clean shower shoes, sandals, or water shoes when in damp, wet areas
Furthermore, never share socks or shoes with someone. This will prevent the spread of HPV.
Finally, keep your feet dry. If you have sweaty feet or work in a wet or damp environment, change your socks often. Changing your socks daily is usually enough, but some people may need more often.
How do I treat plantar warts at home?
Plantar warts do not differ from any other common warts found on the body. Most warts are treated at home with ease.
Without treatment, not only may you spread warts to other parts of your body, you may also spread HPV to other people.
There are many over the counter and prescription wart removers. These removers can be very successful. You will begin treatment by softening the skin in warm water. A 15-minute soak of your feet will be sufficient. Next, you will file down the hardened skin over the wart to expose it. Most often, you will apply a liquid topically or bandage to your wart to starve it of oxygen and kill the wart. You will need to continue this process every day for 12 weeks.
Additionally, there are freezing (cryotherapy) methods to remove warts. Some of these treatments can be purchased over-the-counter while others need a doctor to apply. You will need to be careful when applying cryotherapy to your feet. In cryotherapy, you apply liquid nitrogen to your skin at temperatures below -300 F. When your skin comes into contact with liquid nitrogen, it will burn and blister. This is exactly what you want for your wart, but you do not want to damage the healthy portions of your skin. It may take a few treatments before cryotherapy destroys your wart.
When do I see a doctor for my plantar warts?
If you have a growth on the sole of your foot and are unsure what it is, always visit your local foot and ankle surgeon for both diagnosis and guidance.
However, you may know that you have a plantar wart and try some home remedies. If the home remedies fail in removing your wart, it is time to visit your specialist. Your doctor may prescribe medicines, stronger treatments, or decide to cut out your wart. Cutting a wart out of your foot will cause scarring and keep you off your feet for a few days. Ultimately, this method is saved for the most stubborn of plantar warts.
Finally, even if your wart is new, significant pain is a sign for you to see your foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible. A painful sole may lead to more serious problems, such as a poor gait.
As we enter summer, keep in mind that proper footwear is important even in the sun and water. Water shoes or sandals will place you at the lowest risk for developing plantar warts.
That’s all for now. Enjoy the warmer weather and stay safe!
Hope this helps!
XOXOXO
Dr. Eva
