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How do u get rid of plantar warts. 7 Effective Home Remedies for Plantar Warts: Natural Treatments That Work

How can you treat plantar warts at home. What are the most effective natural remedies for removing plantar warts. Which over-the-counter treatments work best for plantar warts. When should you see a doctor about plantar warts. How long does it take to get rid of plantar warts with home treatments.

Understanding Plantar Warts: Causes and Symptoms

Plantar warts are a common foot condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts typically appear on the soles of the feet, where they can cause discomfort and pain when walking or standing. But what exactly causes plantar warts to develop?

The HPV virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, scrapes, or areas of extreme dryness. Once inside, it infects the outer layer of skin, causing rapid cell growth that results in the characteristic wart. Plantar warts often appear as small, grainy growths on weight-bearing areas of the foot. They may have tiny black dots, which are actually small blood vessels, often mistaken for “wart seeds.”

While plantar warts aren’t typically dangerous, they can grow larger over time and spread to other areas of the foot. This growth can make walking increasingly uncomfortable, prompting many people to seek treatment.

Duct Tape: An Unconventional but Potentially Effective Treatment

One of the most unusual home remedies for plantar warts is the use of duct tape. But does this DIY method actually work? While scientific evidence is mixed, many people swear by this simple treatment.

To try the duct tape method:

  1. Cut a small piece of duct tape to cover the wart completely
  2. Apply the tape directly to the wart
  3. Leave the tape in place for about six days
  4. Remove the tape, soak the wart in warm water, and gently debride with a pumice stone or emery board
  5. Leave the wart uncovered overnight
  6. Repeat the process until the wart disappears

The theory behind this method is that the tape “suffocates” the wart and helps peel away the infected skin layers. While it may not work for everyone, it’s a low-risk option that’s worth trying before moving on to more intensive treatments.

Salicylic Acid: A Proven Over-the-Counter Solution

Salicylic acid is perhaps the most widely used and effective over-the-counter treatment for plantar warts. But how does it work, and what’s the best way to use it?

Salicylic acid works by gradually peeling away the infected skin cells, layer by layer. This process not only removes the visible part of the wart but also helps expose the virus to your immune system, potentially triggering a response that fights the infection from within.

To use salicylic acid effectively:

  • Choose a product with a concentration between 17% and 40%
  • Soak the affected area in warm water for about 10 minutes
  • Gently file away any dead skin with a pumice stone or emery board
  • Apply the salicylic acid product according to package instructions
  • Cover the treated area with a bandage
  • Repeat the process daily

It’s important to note that this treatment can take several weeks to completely eliminate the wart. Patience and consistency are key to success with salicylic acid treatments.

Cryotherapy at Home: OTC Freezing Sprays

Cryotherapy, or freezing, is a common medical treatment for warts. But did you know you can now perform a version of this treatment at home? Over-the-counter freezing sprays offer a convenient alternative to professional cryotherapy treatments.

These products work by creating a small blister around the wart, which eventually causes the infected tissue to slough off. While not as powerful as the liquid nitrogen used in medical offices, these sprays can be effective for smaller warts.

To use an OTC freezing spray:

  1. Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly
  2. Apply the spray directly to the wart as directed on the package
  3. Allow the area to thaw naturally
  4. Repeat the treatment as directed, usually every 1-2 weeks

It’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging surrounding healthy skin. If you don’t see improvement after several treatments, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional.

Iodine: An Emerging Treatment Option

Iodine, typically known for its role in thyroid health, is gaining attention as a potential treatment for plantar warts. But how effective is it, and how should it be used?

Recent studies have shown promising results using povidone-iodine solutions for wart treatment. In one small study, participants applied a povidone-iodine solution twice daily for 12 weeks, with significant improvement in wart clearance.

While more research is needed to fully understand iodine’s effectiveness against plantar warts, it presents an intriguing option for those seeking alternative treatments. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any iodine-based treatment to ensure safety and proper application.

Tea Tree Oil: Nature’s Antiviral Solution

Tea tree oil, known for its antifungal and antiseptic properties, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. But can it effectively treat plantar warts?

While scientific evidence is limited, some case reports suggest that tea tree oil may have potential in treating warts. One report documented successful wart removal after daily application of tea tree oil for 12 days.

To try tea tree oil for plantar warts:

  • Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil (1 part tea tree oil to 3 parts carrier oil)
  • Apply the mixture directly to the wart using a cotton swab
  • Cover with a bandage and leave overnight
  • Repeat daily until the wart disappears

It’s important to note that tea tree oil can cause skin irritation in some people. Always perform a patch test before using it on a larger area, and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Proceed with Caution

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is often touted as a cure-all for various health conditions, including warts. But is there any truth to these claims when it comes to plantar warts?

The idea behind using ACV for warts stems from its acetic acid content, which some believe can kill the virus causing the wart. However, scientific evidence supporting this use is lacking, and the concentration of acetic acid in ACV is much lower than what’s used in medical studies.

Moreover, applying undiluted ACV to the skin can cause chemical burns and irritation. For these reasons, it’s generally not recommended to use apple cider vinegar as a plantar wart treatment without medical supervision.

If you’re considering using ACV, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider first to discuss potential risks and safer alternatives.

When to Seek Professional Help for Plantar Warts

While home remedies can be effective for many people, there are situations where professional medical treatment becomes necessary. But how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor for your plantar warts?

Consider seeking medical attention if:

  • Your wart is causing significant pain or interfering with daily activities
  • The wart continues to grow or spread despite home treatment
  • You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
  • You’re unsure if the growth is actually a wart
  • Home treatments haven’t shown improvement after several weeks

Healthcare providers have access to more powerful treatments, including stronger cryotherapy, laser therapy, and prescription medications. These options may be more effective for stubborn or extensive warts.

Professional Treatment Options for Plantar Warts

When home remedies fail to resolve plantar warts, medical professionals can offer several more intensive treatment options. What are these treatments, and how do they work?

  1. Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart, causing it to blister and eventually fall off.
  2. Electrocautery: The wart is burned off using an electric current.
  3. Laser therapy: Intense light is used to destroy the blood vessels feeding the wart, causing it to die.
  4. Immunotherapy: Medications or injections are used to stimulate the body’s immune response against the wart.
  5. Surgical excision: In some cases, the wart may be cut out surgically.

These treatments are typically more effective than home remedies but may require multiple sessions and can sometimes cause discomfort or scarring. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment plan based on your individual case.

Preventing Plantar Warts: Tips for Keeping Your Feet Healthy

While treating existing plantar warts is important, preventing new ones from developing is equally crucial. What steps can you take to reduce your risk of contracting plantar warts?

  • Keep your feet clean and dry
  • Wear shoes or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas
  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
  • Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes with others
  • Change socks daily, especially if your feet tend to sweat
  • Keep your immune system strong through a healthy diet and lifestyle

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing plantar warts. Remember, prevention is always easier than treatment!

Understanding the Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Treat Plantar Warts?

One of the most common questions about plantar wart treatment is how long it takes to see results. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The duration of treatment can vary widely depending on several factors:

  • The size and number of warts
  • The treatment method used
  • Your individual immune response
  • Consistency in applying treatments

In general, most home treatments require several weeks to several months of consistent application to see results. Over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid typically take 4-12 weeks to completely remove a wart. Professional treatments may work more quickly, but often require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart.

It’s important to be patient and persistent with your chosen treatment method. If you don’t see any improvement after 2-3 months of consistent treatment, it may be time to try a different approach or consult with a healthcare provider.

The Role of the Immune System in Wart Treatment

While topical treatments and removal methods play a crucial role in eliminating plantar warts, your immune system is also a key player in this process. How does your body’s natural defense system contribute to wart treatment?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes warts can sometimes go undetected by the immune system. This is why warts can persist for long periods without the body naturally fighting them off. However, many wart treatments work in part by alerting the immune system to the presence of the virus.

For example, when treatments like salicylic acid or cryotherapy damage the wart tissue, they expose the virus to the immune system. This can trigger an immune response that not only helps eliminate the current wart but may also provide some protection against future HPV infections in that area.

This is why some people find that once they successfully treat one wart, others may disappear on their own. It’s also why maintaining a healthy immune system through diet, exercise, and stress management can be beneficial in both treating and preventing plantar warts.

Dealing with Plantar Wart Recurrence

Even after successful treatment, plantar warts can sometimes recur. Why does this happen, and what can you do about it?

Wart recurrence can occur for several reasons:

  • The initial treatment didn’t completely eliminate the virus
  • Reinfection from the same or a different strain of HPV
  • A weakened immune system that struggles to fight off the virus

If you experience wart recurrence, don’t be discouraged. It’s a common issue that many people face. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Restart your previous treatment if it was initially successful
  2. Try a different treatment method
  3. Consult with a healthcare provider for more aggressive treatment options
  4. Focus on boosting your immune system through diet, exercise, and stress reduction
  5. Be extra vigilant about prevention measures to avoid reinfection

Remember, persistence is key when dealing with plantar warts. With consistent treatment and good preventive habits, you can effectively manage and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Myths and Misconceptions About Plantar Warts

There are many myths surrounding plantar warts that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful treatment attempts. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions:

  • Myth: Plantar warts have roots that grow deep into the foot.
    Reality: Warts grow in the upper layer of skin and don’t have roots. The black dots often seen in warts are actually small blood vessels.
  • Myth: Cutting off a wart will cure it.
    Reality: Cutting a wart can spread the virus and lead to more warts. It’s also dangerous and can lead to infection.
  • Myth: Plantar warts are the same as corns or calluses.
    Reality: While they may look similar, warts are caused by a virus, while corns and calluses are the result of friction and pressure.
  • Myth: Once you have a wart, you’re immune to getting more.
    Reality: Having one wart doesn’t protect you from getting others. You can be infected by different strains of HPV or get new warts from the same strain.
  • Myth: All warts need medical treatment.
    Reality: Many warts, especially in children, will go away on their own over time as the immune system fights off the virus.

Understanding these facts can help you make more informed decisions about treating plantar warts and avoid potentially harmful practices based on misinformation.

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.

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 say goodbye to pain and discomfort forever? Removing any type of wart is very simple and painless!

Foot warts are one of the most common manifestations of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Statistics show that more than 35% of all warts are localized directly on the skin of the legs. In this case, warts on the legs can appear both in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heels and on the toes. Often, plantar neoplasms are perceived as an insignificant aesthetic defect that does not require medical attention and correction. In fact, the treatment of warts on the foot is best done immediately after the appearance of such a formation. This will protect the patient not only from discomfort and pain when walking, but also from the further spread of neoplasms. We will try to figure out how to differentiate a plantar wart from a common callus and how to treat warts on the legs.

What does a wart on the leg look like and can it be confused with other diseases?

In fact, it is quite difficult to differentiate plantar warts , due to the similarity of such skin defects with some other skin pathologies. Visually, the calcaneal wart looks like a slightly protruding above the main level of the epidermis, a rounded neoplasm (small tubercle). Such a manifestation initially does not differ in color and the nature of the surface from healthy surrounding tissues. Over time, the epidermis in the area of ​​localization of the neoplasm begins to thicken, forming pronounced thickened, keratinized layers. During this period, the wart on the foot acquires a gray-yellow hue, and becomes rough to the touch.

Most often, it is enough to remove a wart on the foot to avoid the spread and growth of the defect, however, in rare cases, there is a multiple manifestation of plantar neoplasms, which turns the surface of the foot into a kind of “mosaic”. This occurs in the case of autoinoculation of the maternal wart on healthy tissue.

In terms of visual component, plantar warts are often similar to common corns and corns. In order to distinguish these formations, it is necessary to carefully examine the surface of the defect. Warts on the soles of the feet usually have a depression in the center that resembles a volcano crater. Also, small dark brown dots may appear on the surface of the neoplasm, which by their nature are thrombosed vessels and capillaries. All these manifestations are not characteristic of ordinary corns. However, it is difficult to independently make an accurate diagnosis and develop a concept for the treatment of plantar warts on the legs. Only an experienced doctor, based on dermatoscopy, can confidently assert that a neoplasm on the leg is related to the consequences of infection with the papillomavirus.

In addition to a harmless callus, the following pathological processes can also be hidden under the guise of a subcutaneous wart:

  • Oncological conditions;
  • Deformative diseases of the foot;
  • Manifestations of keratoderma and hyperkeratosis;
  • Skin manifestations of syphilis.

Warts on the legs: causes and etiology

In order to determine the answer to the question of how to treat warts on the legs, it is necessary to initially understand that these epidermal growths are always the result of HPV activation in the human body. Each person can become a carrier of the papillomavirus by directly contacting an infected person or using common household items, however, skin manifestations may be absent even if several forms of HPV are present in the body. What provokes the formation of plantar warts, and what pathologies of the patient can this process speak of:

  • Reduced immunity, which can occur against the background of serious inflammatory and infectious conditions, overwork, poor nutrition and neuro-emotional stress;
  • Damage to the integrity of the epidermal covering of the feet: cracks and microcracks, punctures, burns, etc.;
  • Violation of tissue trophism, which may result from such pathological conditions as diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, varicose veins;
  • Dryness of the skin, tendency to hyperkeratosis of the skin;
  • Excessive sweating of the feet, which may be associated with disorders in the sebaceous and sweat glands;
  • Prolonged wearing of uncomfortable shoes that squeeze the foot.

How to treat warts on the foot?

The final decision on how to remove warts on the foot should be made only after consulting a specialist and prescribing medications for systemic immunity strengthening or drugs for the treatment of concomitant diseases, however, removal of plantar warts with modern hardware techniques is the best option for treating these neoplasms . There are several ways to get rid of a wart on the sole of your foot once and for all:

  1. Laser plantar wart removal;
  2. Electrocoagulation;
  3. Cryodestruction;
  4. Radio wave technique;
  5. Surgical excision.

Laser plantar wart removal is the gold standard among all the above methods, since this method involves non-contact directed exposure of the light beam only to pathological neoplasm cells, without affecting adjacent structures. During the removal of warts on the foot with a laser, there is a gradual transformation of light energy into heat, which leads to the evaporation of the cells that are affected.

During the procedure, the patient does not experience pain and discomfort, as the area of ​​application of the light beam is pre-treated with a local anesthetic solution. In addition, laser destruction is the only technique that allows you to remove a wart on the foot with a minimal trace of exposure to the skin.

Numerous stories on the Internet about the spontaneous disappearance of plantar warts, of course, have some basis, but this happens so rarely that you should not count on such an outcome. Negligently referring to the primary neoplasm, the patient runs the risk of becoming the owner of an overgrown colony of warts, which over time will cause pain not only when walking, but also at rest.

Specialists of the “NEOMED” clinic will help to differentiate the subcutaneous neoplasm and perform laser correction of the deficiency on the modern, highly selective laser device “Lancet”, leaving the problem of warts on the soles of the feet in the past in just one session.

Find out the cost of the procedure “Removal of neoplasms”

Warts, causes, types, methods of removal, treatment, prevention

Why not remove it yourself?

If the neoplasm is torn off, the virus will begin to spread to neighboring areas of the skin, scars or non-healing ulcers will form. This also happens when the wart is injured by clothes, jewelry, and a washcloth. In addition, self-bandaging, cutting or tearing off the sore can lead to its degeneration into a malignant neoplasm.

There are a number of restrictions on self-treatment of neoplasms. In order not to cause yourself more harm, it is preferable to use professional help. But sometimes, for a number of reasons, going to the hospital is impossible, and the patient has to deal with the disease on his own. It is very important to know when you can try to use folk advice, and in what cases it is strictly prohibited. Contraindications to self-medication are:

  • localization of warts on the face, neck, hands or other exposed parts of the body;
  • rapid growth of education, change of its color;
  • cases of lesions in children;
  • occurrence of bleeding from the wart.

Self-medication in these cases can cause serious complications such as sepsis or malignancy. Particular attention must be paid to children. Their immune system is not yet developed, so it cannot cope with even minor provocations. Thus, folk remedies for warts must be used very carefully. Preference should always be given to qualified medical assistance.

Prognosis and prevention

In completely healthy people with good immunity, warts go away on their own within 1-2 years. If, after this period, the neoplasm remains, it must be removed. With the careful work of the doctor, it is possible to eliminate pathogenic tissue, preventing the formation of a scar. Multiple warts are best removed immediately.

With low immunity, warts may reappear after removal. To minimize the risk of this, you need to remember the following recommendations:

  • Always wear shoes in public places: do not stand on tiles in shower pools, gyms, saunas;
  • Choose shoes of good quality, suitable in size;
  • Manicure only in approved places where instruments are sterilized;
  • Do not neglect the rules of personal hygiene;
  • Eat right and balanced, give up harmful foods;
  • Eliminate bad habits;
  • Avoid casual sex.

Vaccination against HPV will help prevent the appearance of anogenital warts. There are no vaccines for other types of neoplasms.

If you notice that you have a wart on your body, contact the Open Clinic medical center. Our doctors will examine the neoplasm and tell you what to do with it.

Q&A

Can a wart become cancerous?

The growth and spread of warts significantly increases the likelihood of a malignant neoplasm. In addition, some types of human papillomavirus cause serious diseases, including squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal or cervix.

Which doctor deals with warts?

Warts are treated by a dermatologist.

What happens if you don’t get rid of the wart?

If left untreated, the wart can grow in size over time. It’s best to remove it.

Cases when you should definitely consult a doctor.

It is necessary to visit a dermatologist if the number of warts increases, they change color or shape, they are in places where they are constantly injured, inflamed, and bleed.