Plantar Warts: Treatment and Prevention

Many skin conditions may appear similar to the untrained eye. Plantar warts for example may be mistaken for simple corns and calluses. But plantar warts are more than thick skin growths. It is caused by a viral infection which has gained entry through breaks in the skin such as wounds, cuts or blisters.

Identifying a Plantar Wart

Plantar warts are commonly found in the heels or balls of the feet. They have clearly defined borders compared to calluses which merely appear as thick skin areas on the feet. One clear indicator of a plantar wart are pin point black spots. Plantar warts are also commonly appear grayish. Plantar warts can be single or appear in clusters.  In some cases, they can even grow to more than an inch in diameter.

Prevention:

• Regularly check your feet for any skin changes (discoloration, unusual growths)

• Protect your feet from direct contact with wet floor surfaces in public areas such as common baths by wearing sandals or slippers

• Immediately treat wounds, cuts or blisters to prevent infection

• Plantar warts can be spread through direct contact with infected skin. Prevent infection or its spread by washing your hands regularly and avoid sharing personal items such as shoes or socks.

Treatment:

A podiatrist may recommend a variety of treatment options for plantar warts.

Curettage and desiccation – a local anesthetic is used to desensitize the area before treatment. A doctor then surgically removes the plantar wart and closes the wound.

Laser treatment – this utilizes laser technology to destroy the wart. This is considered an out-patient procedure and can be performed in the doctor’s clinic.

Acid – the simplest and most effective method for treating plantar warts. It is applied directly over the plantar wart.  Treatment can take a few weeks.

Plantar warts are commonly seen in children. These are usually asymptomatic and does not cause any pain or discomfort. But the real danger is when skin cancer or melanoma is mistaken for a plantar wart. So, be sure to have any suspicious growths or changes in the skin examined by your podiatrist.

Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.