How can you effectively remove plantar warts at home. What are the most reliable medical treatments for plantar warts. Is it possible to prevent plantar warts from recurring. What are the risks of leaving plantar warts untreated.

Understanding Plantar Warts: Causes and Characteristics

Plantar warts are a common foot condition that affects many individuals. These warts occur on the soles of the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While generally harmless, they can cause significant discomfort, especially when located in weight-bearing areas of the foot.

Plantar warts have distinct characteristics:

• Typically appear as small, rough growths on the soles of the feet
• Often have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) visible within them
• Can be painful when walking or standing
• May grow in clusters, known as mosaic warts

Are plantar warts contagious? Yes, plantar warts can spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or person-to-person contact. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making public pools, locker rooms, and communal showers common transmission areas.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Plantar Warts

For those seeking to treat plantar warts at home, several over-the-counter options are available:

Salicylic Acid Products

Salicylic acid is a popular and effective treatment for plantar warts. It works by gradually peeling away the infected skin, allowing new, healthy skin to grow in its place. Here’s how to use salicylic acid for wart removal:

1. Soak the affected area in warm water for 15 minutes to soften the skin
2. Gently file the wart with a pumice stone or emery board
3. Dry the area thoroughly
4. Apply the salicylic acid product directly to the wart
5. Repeat this process daily until the wart disappears

How long does salicylic acid treatment take to work? While results vary, it can take up to three months of consistent treatment to completely remove a plantar wart using salicylic acid.

Freeze Sprays

Over-the-counter freeze sprays offer a form of cryotherapy that can be performed at home. These products typically contain a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane, which rapidly cools the wart tissue.

To use freeze sprays effectively:

• Clean and dry the affected area
• Apply the spray as directed on the package
• Allow the area to thaw naturally
• Repeat the process as recommended by the product instructions

Do freeze sprays hurt when applied to plantar warts? While there may be some discomfort during application, most people find the process tolerable. However, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging surrounding healthy skin.

Home Remedies: The Duct Tape Method

An unconventional yet potentially effective home remedy for plantar warts is the duct tape method. While scientific evidence is mixed, many people report success with this approach. Here’s how to try the duct tape method:

1. Cut a piece of duct tape slightly larger than the wart
2. Apply the tape directly over the wart, ensuring good adhesion
3. Leave the tape in place for six days
4. Remove the tape, soak the foot, and gently file the wart with an emery board
5. Leave the wart exposed overnight
6. Repeat the process until the wart disappears

Why might duct tape be effective against plantar warts? Some theories suggest that duct tape may suffocate the wart or stimulate the immune system to fight the virus. Others believe it simply aids in the gradual removal of infected skin.

Professional Medical Treatments for Stubborn Plantar Warts

When home treatments prove ineffective, professional medical interventions may be necessary. Healthcare providers offer several advanced treatments for plantar warts:

Cryotherapy

Medical cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This treatment is more potent than over-the-counter freeze sprays and is administered by a healthcare professional.

What should you expect during cryotherapy treatment?

• The liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the wart
• You may experience a burning sensation during application
• A blister may form at the treatment site
• Multiple treatments, spaced 2-3 weeks apart, are often necessary

Electrodessication

Electrodessication, also known as cautery and curettage, is a more invasive treatment option. This procedure involves:

• Drying the wart with an electric needle
• Scraping away the dead tissue with a curette
• Potential scarring at the treatment site

When is electrodessication recommended for plantar warts? This treatment is typically reserved for cases where other methods have failed or for particularly large or stubborn warts.

Laser Therapy: A Modern Approach to Wart Removal

Laser therapy represents a cutting-edge treatment for plantar warts. This method uses focused light energy to destroy the blood vessels feeding the wart, effectively killing the tissue.

Benefits of laser therapy for plantar warts include:

• Precision targeting of the wart tissue
• Minimal damage to surrounding healthy skin
• Reduced risk of scarring compared to some other treatments
• Potential for faster healing times

Is laser therapy painful for plantar wart removal? While some discomfort may be experienced during the procedure, many patients find it less painful than traditional surgical removal methods. Local anesthesia can be used to minimize discomfort.

Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Body’s Defenses

Immunotherapy is an innovative approach to treating plantar warts that works by stimulating the body’s immune system to fight the HPV infection. This treatment can be particularly effective for persistent or recurring warts.

Common immunotherapy methods for plantar warts include:

• Topical immunomodulators: Creams or ointments that enhance local immune response
• Intralesional immunotherapy: Injections of substances that trigger an immune reaction
• Systemic immunomodulators: Oral medications that boost overall immune function

How does immunotherapy compare to other plantar wart treatments? While it may take longer to see results, immunotherapy can be particularly effective for stubborn warts and may provide longer-lasting results by addressing the underlying viral infection.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Plantar Warts at Bay

Preventing plantar warts is often easier than treating them. By adopting certain habits and precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing these troublesome growths.

Key prevention strategies include:

• Wearing flip-flops or water shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas
• Keeping feet clean and dry
• Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas
• Not sharing towels, socks, or shoes with others
• Regularly inspecting feet for any signs of warts or other abnormalities

Can strengthening your immune system help prevent plantar warts? Yes, maintaining a strong immune system through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help your body resist HPV infections that cause plantar warts.

When to Seek Professional Help for Plantar Warts

While many plantar warts can be treated at home, there are situations where professional medical intervention is necessary. It’s important to recognize when to consult a healthcare provider.

Consider seeking medical attention if:

• The wart is extremely painful or interferes with daily activities
• Home treatments have been ineffective after several weeks
• The wart is spreading or growing rapidly
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• There’s any doubt about whether the growth is actually a wart

What diagnostic methods do healthcare providers use for plantar warts? Doctors typically diagnose plantar warts through visual examination. In some cases, they may perform a biopsy or use dermoscopy (a specialized magnifying tool) to confirm the diagnosis.

Addressing Persistent or Recurring Plantar Warts

For individuals dealing with persistent or recurring plantar warts, a comprehensive treatment approach may be necessary. This might involve:

• Combining multiple treatment modalities
• Addressing potential underlying immune system issues
• Implementing strict hygiene practices to prevent reinfection
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed

How can you determine the root cause of recurring plantar warts? A thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests to assess immune function, may help identify factors contributing to persistent wart infections.

Understanding the Impact of Plantar Warts on Daily Life

While plantar warts are generally not dangerous, they can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Understanding these effects can motivate proper treatment and prevention.

Common ways plantar warts affect daily life include:

• Pain or discomfort when walking or standing
• Limitations in physical activities or sports participation
• Embarrassment or self-consciousness about foot appearance
• Anxiety about spreading the infection to others
• Frustration with persistent or recurring infections

Can plantar warts cause long-term foot problems if left untreated? While rare, untreated plantar warts can lead to changes in gait or posture as individuals attempt to avoid putting pressure on the affected area. This can potentially result in muscle or joint issues over time.

Holistic Approaches to Plantar Wart Management

In addition to traditional medical treatments, some individuals find success with holistic approaches to managing plantar warts. These methods often focus on boosting overall health and immune function.

Holistic strategies may include:

• Dietary changes to support immune health
• Stress reduction techniques
• Natural supplements believed to have antiviral properties
• Acupuncture or other alternative therapies

While scientific evidence for these approaches may be limited, some people report positive results when combining holistic methods with conventional treatments.

How can stress reduction potentially help in managing plantar warts? Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making the body more susceptible to viral infections like HPV. Stress reduction techniques may help support overall immune function.

The Role of Footwear in Plantar Wart Management

Proper footwear plays a crucial role in both preventing and managing plantar warts. The right shoes can help reduce discomfort and prevent the spread of the virus.

Consider the following when choosing footwear:

• Opt for breathable materials to keep feet dry
• Ensure proper fit to avoid excess friction
• Use supportive insoles to reduce pressure on affected areas
• Choose shoes that can be easily cleaned and disinfected

Should you wear different shoes if you have plantar warts? It’s advisable to avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day, allowing each pair to dry thoroughly between uses. This can help prevent the warm, moist environment that the HPV virus thrives in.

The Importance of Foot Hygiene in Wart Prevention

Maintaining good foot hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of plantar warts and supporting overall foot health. Proper hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of infection and reinfection.

Key foot hygiene practices include:

• Washing feet daily with soap and water
• Thoroughly drying feet, especially between toes
• Regularly changing socks, especially if feet tend to sweat
• Using antifungal powders or sprays in shoes to control moisture
• Avoiding sharing personal items like towels or shoes

How often should you replace your socks and shoes to maintain good foot hygiene? It’s recommended to replace socks every 6-12 months and shoes every 8-12 months, or sooner if they show signs of wear. This helps ensure proper support and hygiene.

Debunking Myths About Plantar Warts

There are many misconceptions surrounding plantar warts that can lead to ineffective treatments or unnecessary worry. Understanding the facts is crucial for proper management and prevention.

Common myths about plantar warts include:

• Myth: Plantar warts have roots that grow deep into the foot
• Fact: Warts grow in the upper layer of skin and do not have roots
• Myth: Plantar warts always require surgical removal
• Fact: Many warts respond to less invasive treatments or even resolve on their own
• Myth: Once you’ve had a plantar wart, you’re immune to future infections
• Fact: You can develop new warts even after successfully treating previous ones

Why do some people believe plantar warts have roots? This misconception likely arises from the appearance of warts when they’re removed. The dead tissue can appear root-like, but it’s actually just part of the wart confined to the upper layers of skin.

The Future of Plantar Wart Treatment

As medical research advances, new treatments for plantar warts are being developed and tested. These emerging therapies offer hope for more effective and less invasive treatment options in the future.

Promising areas of research include:

• Targeted antiviral medications
• Advanced immunotherapy techniques
• Photodynamic therapy using light-sensitive drugs
• Nanoparticle-based treatments

How might these future treatments improve plantar wart management? These innovations could potentially offer faster, more effective treatments with fewer side effects and a lower risk of recurrence. However, more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy and safety.

In conclusion, while plantar warts can be a persistent and frustrating condition, a wide range of treatment options are available. From over-the-counter remedies to professional medical interventions, individuals can find an approach that works for their specific situation. By combining proper treatment with prevention strategies and good foot hygiene, it’s possible to effectively manage plantar warts and maintain overall foot health.

How to get rid of plantar warts

Plantar warts are warts that occur on the bottoms of the feet.

While plantar warts are almost always harmless, they can be very painful if they occur in a spot on the foot that supports your weight. Plantar warts are very common, and they typically go away on their own. However, although some plantar warts disappear in a couple weeks or months, it can take as long as a couple of years for them to go away.

If you have plantar warts and want them removed, you have a number of options for treating them at home, or you can visit your healthcare provider for plantar wart removal. Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of plantar warts.

Over-the-counter wart treatments

There are wart treatments that are available over the counter for home use.

• Salicylic acid is available in a number of over-the-counter plantar wart removal products, including gels, liquids and patches. These range in concentration from 17% to 40%. For warts on thick skin, use a product with a higher concentration, and for those on thinner, more sensitive skin, use a lower concentration.

To remove warts with salicylic acid:

1. Soak the plantar wart in water for 15 minutes to soften it.
2. Use a pumice stone or emery board to remove the top layer of dead skin.
3. Rinse and thoroughly dry the wart.
4. Apply the salicylic acid product to the wart. Try to avoid getting it on the surrounding skin. Allow the product to dry before putting on shoes or socks.
5. Repeat these steps once or twice a day until the wart goes away.
    

It can take as long as three months for the wart to go away. Once the wart is gone, continue treatment for another week or two to help prevent it from growing back.

• Freeze sprays are another over-the-counter option for plantar wart removal. These products typically contain a mix of dimethyl ether and propan. The product is briefly applied to the surface of the wart to freeze it. When using this cryotherapy method, it is important to follow the instructions on the package carefully to avoid burning the skin.

Home remedies for warts

While using duct tape isn’t a highly researched remedy for plantar warts, the studies that have been done show mixed results. Still, anecdotal evidence shows that for some people, duct tape is a tried-and-true wart remedy, and it’s worth a try if you’re not too keen on having to apply salicylic acid to the wart every day. Scientists aren’t sure why duct tape works, but some suspect it may suffocate the wart—or simply remove the skin and virus in layers until the wart disappears.

To treat a wart with duct tape, choose the classic silver variety, which is stickier than other types. Follow these steps:

1. Soak the wart for 15 minutes.
2. Gently file the wart with an emery board or pumice stone.
3. Rinse and thoroughly dry the wart.
4. Place a piece of duct tape directly over the wart so that it extends beyond the perimeter of the wart. Press firmly to create a strong bond.
5. Leave the duct tape on for up to a week. If it falls off, replace it.
6. On the sixth or seventh day, remove the duct tape, soak and file the wart, and leave it uncovered overnight.
7. The next day, reapply the tape, and repeat the same process until the wart disappears.
    

Some people remove warts with salicylic acid treatment combined with a duct tape patch.

Can you pull out a plantar wart with
tweezers?

No, never try pulling out plantar warts with tweezers. Pulling out a plantar wart yourself is extremely painful, and it’s unlikely that you’ll get all of it. This means it’s more likely that it’ll grow back. Pulling out plantar warts with tweezers can also lead to a serious infection.

Can you cut off a plantar wart?

No, never attempt to cut off a plantar wart at home. If you want your wart completely removed, visit your healthcare provider.

Plantar wart treatment by your
healthcare provider

For complete plantar wart removal, visit your healthcare provider, who will use one of a few effective methods for getting rid of plantar warts, including:

Cryotherapy.  One of the most commonly used plantar wart removal methods involves freezing them off, a procedure known as cryotherapy. To freeze plantar warts, your healthcare provider will swab or spray liquid nitrogen onto the wart and a small area surrounding the wart. The liquid nitrogen is extremely cold and burns the skin, killing the virus-infected cells. Freezing plantar warts is painful and causes redness and, in some cases, blisters. It typically takes several treatments spaced two to three weeks apart to freeze plantar warts completely off.

Electrodessication. Also known as zapping and cutting or cautery and curettage, electrodessication involves drying the wart with an electric needle and using a small, scoop-like instrument called a curette to dig out the wart. Electrodessication typically leaves scarring, and it’s not generally recommended for plantar warts unless they don’t respond to other treatments.

Other plantar wart treatment methods

Other options your healthcare provider might recommend for plantar wart removal include:

• Cutting the wart out with a scalpel, which produces similar results as electrodessication, including possible scarring.
• Prescription drugs like topical imiquimod, an immunotherapy drug, or topical fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug. These are applied to the wart as a cream. The chemotherapy drug bleomycin is a plantar wart treatment medication that’s injected into the wart.
• Intralesional immunotherapy, which involves testing the patient for a positive reaction to skin test antigens for mumps, Candida or Trichophyton. If the test is positive, the wart is injected with the antigen, which causes an allergic response that breaks down the HPV virus to remove the wart.

If your plantar warts aren’t causing you pain or discomfort, you can let them go away on their own. But if they’re painful, itchy or bothersome, visit your healthcare provider for advice on plantar wart treatment. Many healthcare providers will recommend over-the-counter treatments first. If your wart doesn’t respond to these treatments, your healthcare provider will explain your options and help you decide which removal method is best for you.

Published February 2022.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279586/
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/how-to-get-rid-of-warts

Plantar Wart Home Remedy: 7 Treatments

Plantar warts may go away on their own or with home remedies and over-the-counter products, such as salicylic acid.

Plantar warts occur from a viral infection in your skin called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can enter damaged skin more easily, such as cuts, scrapes, or severely dry skin. Plantar warts are common on the soles of the feet.

These types of warts can be painful, and the resulting raised bumps uncomfortable. Plantar warts may also have tiny black spots that some people call “wart seeds.” These spots are actually blood vessels. While not necessarily harmful, plantar warts can grow and eventually make it uncomfortable to stand and walk.

It’s often possible to treat plantar warts at home, but it’s also important to know when you should see a doctor for medical treatment.

While plantar warts aren’t typically dangerous, you might want to get them removed due to discomfort and aesthetic reasons. Warts can get larger over time or spread to other areas. Most wart removal treatments will take several weeks, if not longer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Duct tape

Some people claim you can get rid of plantar warts by using duct tape.

The evidence to support this method is mixed, according to experts. But even if it doesn’t help, using duct tape probably won’t cause harm. To try it, stick a small piece of tape over the wart, and then change the tape every few days.

The idea behind duct tape for warts is that it could help “peel away” the layers of the wart. In theory, the wart could eventually peel completely away. But it’s not known if duct tape really works this way.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid often used in acne treatment. It works by removing dead skin cells, which can sometimes clog your pores.

Higher concentrations of salicylic acid can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) wart creams treatments. These products shed the skin around the wart little by little, until it’s eventually cleared up completely.

To get the most out of this treatment, you’ll need to apply the salicylic acid product on your plantar warts according to the instructions on the packaging, and continue the treatment for as long as directed.

Some products may advise you to to prep the skin by soaking the affected area in warm water before applying the acid.

It can take several weeks of treatment for the warts to completely go away.

OTC freezing sprays

Aside from salicylic acid, you can also buy “freezing sprays” at the drugstore for plantar warts. The spray works by creating a small blister-like injury that may help destroy the wart. This is different from the cryotherapy wart treatments that are available at a doctor’s office.

To use freezing spray, carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. You might have to repeat the process several times to kill the wart. Check the instructions to see if it’s safe to do so. If OTC treatment doesn’t get rid of the wart, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that’s most often associated with thyroid health. But certain formulations can be used for other purposes too — this may include wart removal.

One small study found that a povidone-iodine topical solution helped clear up warts after twice-daily applications over the course of 12 weeks.

Researchers are conducting clinical trials to test povidone-iodine’s safety and effectiveness for wart treatment. In the meantime, you should only use povidone-iodine for warts under a doctor’s supervision.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has historically been used as a topical antiseptic. It’s primarily used for fungal infections, wounds, and acne.

One case report from 2008 found that tea tree oil successfully removed warts on a person’s hand when applied once daily for 12 days. While this single report is promising, much more research is needed before experts can recommend this approach.

Tea tree oil can cause irritation or contact dermatitis for some people. If you use topical products containing tea tree oil, stop using them if you notice a rash or other symptoms.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar continues to be studied for a wide range of health claims. It contains a type of acid called acetic acid. Some older reports suggest that concentrated acetic acid can be used to treat warts. However, these treatments took place in a clinic with careful medical management.

The amount of acetic acid found in apple cider vingar is much less than the acetic acid preparations used in these studies. There’s also no evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar is safe or effective for treating warts.

Because undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause chemical burns, you should not apply it to your skin. All in all, this wart “remedy” is likely one to avoid.

Calluses are caused by repeated friction against the skin. These are most common on your hands and feet. With a callus, you may notice a flat area of thickened skin.

Calluses aren’t the same thing as plantar warts. However, sometimes the two look alike. It’s also possible to have plantar warts inside of a callus.

In some cases, you may be able to tell the difference by looking at the lines on your skin. With warts, you may see interrupted skin lines (your skin lines do not continue on the wart). With a callus, the skin lines are not interrupted.

Calluses can go away on their own when friction against the skin has stopped, such as when changing tight shoes for a better-fitting pair. The outer skin of the callus may also be cut off or filed away.

While plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus, there are other risk factors to consider. You might be at an increased risk of getting plantar warts if you:

• have a history of plantar warts
• are a child or a teenager
• have a weakened immune system
• frequently walk barefoot, especially in germ-prone areas like locker rooms

With the right precautions, plantar warts can often be prevented, even if you’re at a higher risk of developing them:

• Avoid touching warts, including your own.
• Wash your hands before and after touching a wart.
• Don’t pick at a plantar wart with your fingers.
• Avoid using the files and pumice stones you used on affected areas of skin for nonaffected areas.
• Don’t walk barefoot in public areas.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Change your socks and shoes frequently.

Plantar warts that don’t go away or keep coming back despite home treatments should be looked at by a doctor. They can treat the warts in the office with cryotherapy or other treatments. They might also recommend prescription medications to help treat the wart.

For chronic plantar warts, your doctor may refer you to a foot specialist.

If you have any of the following conditions, see your doctor before starting a home wart treatment:

• diabetes
• a weakened immune system
• HIV or AIDS
• solid brown or black warts (these could be cancerous)
• plantar warts that change in color and size
• severe discomfort due to the warts
• changes in your gait

Plantar warts tend to go away eventually, and you may be able to treat them at home.

When in doubt, always ask a doctor for advice, especially if the plantar warts worsen or affect your daily mobility.

How to get rid of plantar warts?

What are warts?

Warts are benign neoplasms of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus, this virus penetrates the skin and mucous membranes. The most common manifestation of HPV infection in humans is the manifestation of plantar warts. More than 150 HPV subtypes are known in the world, some of them can be localized in certain areas of the body. HPV type 1 can mainly affect the feet and soles, which is manifested by the appearance of plantar warts.

How do warts appear?

HPV, which causes warts, is usually contracted through direct contact with infected skin or through contaminated objects. Such violations of the protective function of the skin: cuts, abrasions, burrs, various kinds of dermatitis, can contribute to the development of the disease. Symptomatically, warts appear through neoplasms on the skin, which cause discomfort and pain, both at rest and during walking, which greatly interferes with the life of a modern person.

How to get rid of plantar warts?

The most effective method of treatment is to remove warts that have already shown themselves. Chemical destruction with salicylic acid preparations or removal with liquid nitrogen can be used. These methods are the most proven, affordable and effective, but other removal methods are also acceptable:

Laser burning. With the help of a medical laser, the resulting build-up is removed in layers, it is possible to use local anesthesia. The method least injures the body, does not cause cosmetic defects in the area with the wart.

Electrocoagulation. Due to the impact of high-frequency current on the skin area, the roots of the wart are burned out, but after the wound has healed, scarring and scarring are acceptable.

Surgical removal. Surgical removal of warts is used when the growth roots are deep. Radio wave surgery uses high frequency radio waves (3.8 – 4.0 MHz.), which completely get rid of the wart.

In the treatment of plantar warts, the cryodestruction method has proven itself well. Carrying out this procedure over a diseased area of ​​the skin is extremely effective, due to the extremely low temperature of nitrogen, any organic formations will be destroyed. Cryodestruction has no contraindications, it does not require injections of anesthetics that can cause dangerous allergic reactions. You can read more about the removal of plantar warts using cryodestruction in our article on cryodestruction.

The use of destruction with chemicals (salicylic acid), the use of cryodestruction are the first methods for the removal of simple and plantar warts. Unfortunately, plantar warts can be resistant to the chosen treatment, requiring a repeat procedure in the future. It is worth remembering that even the complete removal of warts does not lead to a cure for the HPV that causes them, so relapse is possible.

What are the advantages of these types of plantar wart removal?

Chemical Destruction is a painless, bloodless removal method with minimal side effects.

Cryodestruction is a method that does not require anesthesia, preliminary preparation and the procedure itself takes several minutes. By using cryosurgery, you choose a bloodless method of plantar wart removal, with minimal side effects, and quick healing allows you to quickly return to a comfortable daily life.

Radio wave removal – this method of surgical treatment allows you to completely get rid of the neoplasm in one procedure. Minimal skin trauma, provides better wound healing.

Ways to prevent the spread and spread of plantar warts:

● Use only personal shoes and leather goods.

● Use changeable shoes when visiting swimming pools, shared showers, changing rooms, baths.

● Use individual hygiene products when processing, cleaning, trimming nails and feet.

● Take care of the skin of hands and feet, avoid excess skin moisture, damage, dryness and cracking.

Plantar wart – treatment and removal of warts

Life with a plantar wart is a torment: it is impossible to stand or walk. And it’s scary to go to the doctor – the removal is very painful, and the wound after such a procedure heals for a long time. And only recently, dermatologists have a gentle way to deal with this problem.

Whatever people came up with in search of a way to get rid of plantar warts. They rubbed them with potatoes or garlic, tied the meat to the wart. The use of “burning” products at home is often ineffective and can lead to the appearance of rough scars. In general, anyone who has ever tried to get rid of a plantar wart on their own knows that everything is useless, you cannot do without a doctor.

IMPORTANT! Information from the article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment! Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary examinations, establish a diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan for a consultation!

What is a plantar wart?

A plantar wart is nothing like the ones you see on the body. Why do they appear, as if from nowhere? There was nothing on the sole of the foot and suddenly you can’t walk.

Any warts are skin neoplasms, the development of which is provoked by human papillomavirus (HPV) . That is, a wart is a viral disease that needs to be treated systemically.

HPV can be contracted through contact with an infected person or through household items, especially if a person has weakened immunity, both general and local. The virus most easily penetrates the skin through microtraumas and skin soaked in water (maceration), so often the most unpleasant – plantar – warts appear in those who visit the pool or gym.

Warts are different:

• vulgar (translated from Latin – ordinary),
• flat,
• plantar
• genital warts.

Of course, warts do not color anyone, so their owners try to get rid of a cosmetic defect. But the pain is delivered, as a rule, plantar. Outwardly, they look like corns and occur more often on the skin of the soles – in places of pressure and friction.

Usually the skin thickens there due to increased keratinization. When pressure is applied to plantar warts, the pain can be so intense that patients compare it to a “nail in a boot.”

Treatment of a plantar wart at home

Drugs are sold in pharmacies, the instructions for which say that the indication for use is plantar warts. But, removing warts at home is undesirable, because it is often ineffective and can cause complications.

Most home remedies are strong solutions of alkalis or acids. When using them, it is possible the occurrence of a deep long-healing burn and the development of a rough scar . With insufficient exposure, warts reappear. In addition, infection of the wound and the development of purulent complications are possible.

The method of treatment must be chosen by the physician . And the application of any destructive drugs should also be carried out by a doctor or take place under his supervision.

Removal of plantar warts

How this is done is up to the doctor. It is possible to minimize the risk of recurrence (relapse) of the wart with the help of complex therapy. Despite the fact that today there are no drugs that completely kill the human papillomavirus in the body, many patients need antiviral therapy. In addition, the formed wart must be removed. For the destruction (destruction) of warts, a laser, liquid nitrogen, cauterizing, keratolytic and mummifying agents can be used.

Laser removal of large warts is often more effective than liquid nitrogen removal. Before laser destruction, the plantar wart is chipped with an anesthetic, which is a rather painful procedure.