Preventing Plantar Warts
Long ago, people believed a myth about warts: that they were caused by contact with frogs or toads. Thanks to modern medicine, now we know that's not true. Warts are caused by contact with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and almost everyone will get one in their lifetime.
HPV is a determined virus. It finds a way to enter the body through the top layer of skin. Once inside, it causes a sudden growth of skin cells in the layer below, resulting in a small bump that called a wart.
HPV is everywhere, and exposure is inescapable. You encounter various strains of HPV when you touch objects such as pens and telephones, when you walk barefoot, and when you touch other people, possibly by shaking hands. You can come into contact with HPV both at home and in public spaces. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of this contact is harmless and goes unnoticed. Occasionally, however, a wart occurs.
Never touch or pick at a wart, even on your own body! If you have a wart, cover it with a bandage to prevent it from spreading. The bad news is that, without treatment, your wart isn't going to go away. Over the counter remedies are ineffective and home remedies can do more harm than good. The good news is that your podiatrist can help you get rid of that wart once and for all, often with modern state of the art technology to maximize effectiveness and minimize discomfort.
With care, you can reduce your risk and prevent warts. Here are some simple recommendations:
Make sure your feet are healthy and well-maintained. Visit your podiatrist regularly.
HPV lives in warm, humid places. Never go barefoot on pool decks and in public showers, like at the gym. Invest in an inexpensive pair of sandals and keep them in your tote bag.
Dry your feet when they get damp or wet.
Wash your hands and feet often. Use warm water and soap and lather for at least 20 seconds. That's the amount of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday in your head twice.
The virus gets in through nicks and cuts. Be prudent at the salon. Don't allow your nail tech to use a razor to remove calluses.
Don't share socks and shoes with others.
Regularly spray shoes with disinfectant to kill any virus living there.
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.