How to fix plantar warts. Effective Plantar Wart Removal: Comprehensive Guide to Treatment Options

06.09.202308.07.2023 by alexxlab

How can plantar warts be effectively treated at home. What are the professional medical options for removing plantar warts. When should you seek medical help for plantar wart removal.

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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 they are generally harmless, plantar warts can cause discomfort and pain, especially when they develop in weight-bearing areas of the foot.

Plantar warts typically appear as small, rough growths on the skin, often with tiny black dots visible in the center. These dots are actually small blood vessels that have grown into the wart. The warts may grow singly or in clusters, and they can vary in size from a pinhead to several centimeters in diameter.

How do plantar warts differ from other types of warts?

Unlike warts that appear on other parts of the body, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure of walking and standing. This inward growth can make them particularly painful and challenging to treat. Additionally, the thick skin on the soles of the feet can make it difficult for treatments to penetrate and reach the virus causing the wart.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Plantar Warts

For those looking to treat plantar warts at home, several over-the-counter options are available. These treatments can be effective, especially for smaller or newly formed warts.

Salicylic Acid: A Popular First-Line Treatment

Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter treatments for plantar warts. It works by gradually peeling away the infected skin, layer by layer. Salicylic acid products are available in various forms, including gels, liquids, and adhesive pads.

Concentration ranges from 17% to 40%
Higher concentrations are suitable for thicker skin
Lower concentrations are better for sensitive areas

To use salicylic acid effectively:

Soak the affected area in warm water for 15 minutes to soften the skin
Gently remove dead skin using a pumice stone or emery board
Dry the area thoroughly
Apply the salicylic acid product, avoiding surrounding healthy skin
Allow the product to dry before putting on socks or shoes
Repeat this process once or twice daily

It’s important to note that treatment with salicylic acid can take up to three months for complete wart removal. Even after the wart disappears, continue treatment for an additional week or two to prevent recurrence.

Cryotherapy Sprays: Freezing Warts at Home

Another over-the-counter option for plantar wart removal is freeze sprays. These products typically contain a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane, which rapidly cools the wart and surrounding tissue. The freezing action causes the wart cells to die, allowing the body to naturally remove them over time.

When using cryotherapy sprays:

Follow the package instructions carefully
Apply the product briefly to avoid skin damage
Be cautious to prevent burning the surrounding healthy skin

While home cryotherapy can be effective, it’s generally less potent than the liquid nitrogen treatments used by healthcare professionals.

Home Remedies: The Duct Tape Method

An unconventional but potentially effective home remedy for plantar warts is the duct tape method. While scientific studies show mixed results, anecdotal evidence suggests that this method can be successful for some individuals.

The duct tape method involves:

Soaking the wart in warm water for 15 minutes
Gently filing the wart with an emery board or pumice stone
Covering the wart with a piece of silver duct tape, extending beyond the wart’s edges
Leaving the tape in place for up to a week, replacing if it falls off
Removing the tape after 6-7 days, soaking and filing the wart again
Leaving the wart uncovered overnight
Repeating the process until the wart disappears

The exact mechanism by which duct tape removes warts is not fully understood. Some theories suggest it may suffocate the wart or gradually remove the infected skin layers.

Can duct tape be combined with other treatments?

Yes, some people combine the duct tape method with salicylic acid treatment for potentially enhanced effectiveness. This combination approach involves applying salicylic acid to the wart before covering it with duct tape.

Professional Medical Treatments for Plantar Warts

When home treatments prove ineffective or for those seeking faster results, professional medical treatments are available. These options are typically more potent and can be particularly useful for stubborn or large plantar warts.

Cryotherapy: Professional Freezing of Plantar Warts

Cryotherapy is one of the most common medical treatments for plantar warts. In this procedure, a healthcare provider applies liquid nitrogen to the wart, freezing and destroying the infected cells.

Key points about professional cryotherapy:

Liquid nitrogen is much colder than over-the-counter freeze sprays
The treatment can be painful and may cause redness or blistering
Multiple treatments, spaced 2-3 weeks apart, are often necessary
Success rates are generally higher than with home treatments

Electrodessication: Zapping and Cutting Warts

Electrodessication, also known as cautery and curettage, is another professional treatment option. This method involves:

Drying the wart with an electric needle
Using a curette (a small, scoop-like instrument) to remove the wart tissue

While effective, electrodessication typically leaves scarring and is not generally recommended for plantar warts unless other treatments have failed.

Prescription Medications for Plantar Wart Treatment

In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to treat stubborn plantar warts. These can include:

Imiquimod: A topical immune response modifier
Fluorouracil: A chemotherapy drug that can be applied topically
Bleomycin: An anti-cancer drug that can be injected into the wart

These medications work by either boosting the immune system’s response to the wart or directly attacking the virus-infected cells. They are typically reserved for cases where other treatments have not been successful.

When to Seek Professional Help for Plantar Warts

While many plantar warts can be treated at home, there are situations where professional medical help is advisable. Consider seeking a healthcare provider’s assistance if:

The wart is particularly large or painful
Home treatments have been ineffective after several weeks
You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
The wart shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, or discharge)
You’re unsure if the growth is actually a wart

A healthcare provider can offer a definitive diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual case.

Preventing Plantar Warts: Tips for Foot Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent plantar warts, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading the virus:

Keep your feet clean and dry
Wear sandals or water shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
Don’t share shoes, socks, or towels with others
Change socks daily, especially if your feet tend to sweat
Keep any cuts or scrapes on your feet clean and covered

By maintaining good foot hygiene and taking precautions in public areas, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing plantar warts.

How can you prevent plantar warts from spreading?

If you already have a plantar wart, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your foot or to other people:

Avoid touching or scratching the wart
Wash your hands thoroughly after treating the wart
Use a separate nail file or pumice stone for the wart and dispose of it after the wart is gone
Cover the wart with a waterproof bandage when swimming
Wear socks when walking on shared surfaces at home

Myths and Misconceptions About Plantar Wart Removal

There are several common myths and misconceptions surrounding plantar wart removal that it’s important to address:

Can you pull out a plantar wart with tweezers?

No, attempting to pull out a plantar wart with tweezers is not recommended. This method is extremely painful and unlikely to remove the entire wart. Moreover, it can lead to infection and increase the likelihood of the wart growing back.

Is it safe to cut off a plantar wart at home?

Absolutely not. Cutting off a plantar wart at home is dangerous and can lead to serious complications. If complete wart removal is desired, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider who can perform the procedure safely and effectively.

Do plantar warts have roots that need to be removed?

Contrary to popular belief, plantar warts do not have roots like plants. What may appear to be roots are actually small blood vessels that supply the wart with blood. Effective treatment involves removing the entire wart, including these blood vessels, but there’s no special “root” that needs to be targeted.

Can plantar warts spread through water or swimming pools?

While the HPV virus that causes plantar warts can survive in warm, moist environments, the risk of contracting a wart from a swimming pool is relatively low. However, it’s still advisable to wear water shoes in public pool areas as an extra precaution.

Long-Term Management of Plantar Warts

Managing plantar warts often requires patience and persistence. Even with treatment, warts can be stubborn and may take time to disappear completely. Here are some tips for long-term management:

Be consistent with your chosen treatment method
Keep the affected area clean and dry
Boost your immune system through a healthy diet and lifestyle
Consider using over-the-counter immune support supplements (consult with a healthcare provider first)
Be vigilant for any signs of recurrence and treat promptly if the wart returns

Remember that while plantar warts can be frustrating, they are generally harmless and will often resolve on their own given enough time. However, if a wart is causing significant discomfort or interfering with daily activities, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice.

How long does it typically take for a plantar wart to disappear?

The duration for a plantar wart to disappear can vary greatly. Some warts may go away on their own within a few weeks or months, while others can persist for years. With treatment, most warts will resolve within 3-6 months, but stubborn cases may take longer.

Patience is key when dealing with plantar warts. Consistent treatment and good foot care practices will give you the best chance of successful wart removal and prevention of future occurrences.

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:

Soak the plantar wart in water for 15 minutes to soften it.
Use a pumice stone or emery board to remove the top layer of dead skin.
Rinse and thoroughly dry the wart.
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.
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:

Soak the wart for 15 minutes.
Gently file the wart with an emery board or pumice stone.
Rinse and thoroughly dry the wart.
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.
Leave the duct tape on for up to a week. If it falls off, replace it.
On the sixth or seventh day, remove the duct tape, soak and file the wart, and leave it uncovered overnight.
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:

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

Plantar warts | Sparrow

Overview

Plantar warts are small, rough growths on the feet. They usually show up on the balls and heels of the feet, the areas that bear the most pressure. This pressure may also cause a wart to grow inward beneath a hard, thick layer of skin (callus).

Plantar warts are caused by HPV. This virus enters through tiny cuts or breaks on the bottom of the feet.

Most plantar warts aren’t a serious health concern and often go away without treatment, especially in children under 12. To get rid of them sooner, you can try self-care treatments or see your health care provider.

Symptoms

Plantar wart signs and symptoms include:

A small, rough growth on the bottom of your foot, usually at the base of the toes or on the ball or heel
On brown and Black skin, the growth may be lighter than unaffected skin
Hard, thickened skin (callus) over a spot on the skin, where a wart has grown inward
Black pinpoints, which are small clotted blood vessels commonly called wart seeds
A cluster of growths on the sole of the foot (mosaic warts)
A growth that interrupts the normal lines and ridges in the skin of your foot
Pain or tenderness when walking or standing

When to see a doctor

See your health care provider for the growth on your foot if:

The growth is bleeding, painful or changes in shape or color
You’ve tried treating the wart, but it persists, multiplies or comes back after clearing for a time (recurs)
Your pain interferes with your activities
You also have diabetes or poor feeling in your feet
You also have a weak immune system because of immune-suppressing drugs, HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders
You aren’t sure if the growth is a wart

Causes

Plantar warts are caused by an infection with HPV in the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet. The warts develop when the virus enters through tiny cuts, breaks or weak spots on the bottom of the foot. If left untreated, warts can last from a few months to 2 years in children, and several years in in adults.

HPV is very common, and more than 100 kinds of the virus exist. But only a few of them cause warts on the feet. Other types of HPV are more likely to cause warts on other areas of your skin or on mucous membranes.

Transmission of the virus

Each person’s immune system responds differently to HPV. Not everyone who comes in contact with it develops warts. Even people in the same family react to the virus differently.

The HPV strains that cause plantar warts aren’t highly contagious. So the virus isn’t easily spread by direct contact from one person to another. But it thrives in warm, moist places, so you might get the virus by walking barefoot around swimming pools or locker rooms. If the virus spreads from the first site of infection, more warts may grow.

Risk factors

Anyone can develop plantar warts, but this type of wart is more likely to affect:

Children and teenagers
People with weak immune systems
People who have had plantar warts before
People who walk barefoot in areas where a wart-causing virus is common, such as locker rooms and swimming pools

Complications

When plantar warts cause pain, you may alter your normal posture or gait — perhaps without realizing it. Eventually, this change in how you stand, walk or run can cause muscle or joint discomfort.

Prevention

To help prevent plantar warts:

Avoid direct contact with warts. This includes your own warts. Wash your hands carefully after touching a wart.
Keep your feet clean and dry.
Wear sandals or other foot protection when walking around swimming pools, in locker rooms or in gym showers.
Don’t pick at or scratch warts.
When using an emery board, pumice stone or nail clipper on your warts, choose one that you don’t use on your healthy skin and nails.

Diagnosis

A health care provider usually diagnoses a plantar wart by looking at it or cutting off the top layer with a scalpel and checking for dots. The dots are tiny clotted blood vessels. Or your health care provider might cut off a small section of the growth and send it to a lab for testing.

Treatment

Most plantar warts are harmless and go away without treatment, though it may take a year or two in children, and even longer in adults. If you want to get rid of warts sooner, and self-care approaches haven’t helped, talk with your health care provider. Using one or more of the following treatments may help:

Freezing medicine (cryotherapy). Cryotherapy is done in a clinic and involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart, either with a spray or a cotton swab. This method can be painful, so your health care provider may numb the area first.
The freezing causes a blister to form around your wart, and the dead tissue sloughs off within a week or so. Cryotherapy may also stimulate your immune system to fight viral warts. You may need to return to the clinic for repeat treatments every 2 to 3 weeks until the wart disappears.
Possible side effects of cryotherapy are pain, blisters and permanent changes in skin color (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation), particularly in people with brown or Black skin.
Stronger peeling medicine (salicylic acid). Prescription-strength wart medications with salicylic acid work by removing a wart a layer at a time. They may also boost your immune system’s ability to fight the wart.
Your health care provider will likely suggest you apply the medicine regularly at home, followed by occasional office visits. It might take weeks to remove the wart using this method.

Surgical or other procedures

If salicylic acid and freezing medicine don’t work, your health care provider may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

Minor surgery. Your health care provider cuts away the wart or destroys it by using an electric needle (electrodesiccation and curettage). This method can be painful, so your health care provider will numb your skin first. Because surgery has a risk of scarring, it’s not often used to treat plantar warts unless other treatments have failed. A scar on the sole of the foot can be painful for years.
Blistering medicine. Your health care provider applies cantharidin, which causes a blister under the wart. You may need to return to the clinic in about a week to have the dead wart clipped off.
Immune therapy. This method uses medications or solutions to stimulate your immune system to fight viral warts. Your health care provider may inject your warts with a foreign substance (antigen) or apply a solution or cream to the warts.
Laser treatment. Pulsed-dye laser treatment burns closed (cauterizes) tiny blood vessels. The infected tissue eventually dies, and the wart falls off. This method needs to be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks. Your health care provider will likely numb your skin first.
Vaccine. HPV vaccine has been used with success to treat warts even though this vaccine is not specifically targeted toward the wart viruses that cause plantar warts.

If a plantar wart goes away after treatment and another wart grows, it could be because the area was exposed again to HPV.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Many people have removed warts with these self-care tips:

Peeling medicine (salicylic acid). Nonprescription wart removal products are sold as a patch, gel or liquid. You’ll likely be instructed to wash the site, soak it in warm water, and gently remove the top layer of softened skin with a pumice stone or emery board. Then after the skin has dried, you apply the solution or patch. Patches are often changed every 24 to 48 hours. Liquid products are used daily. It might take weeks to remove the wart using this method.
Freezing medicine (cryotherapy). Nonprescription medicines that freeze the wart include Compound W Freeze Off and Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away. The Food and Drug Administration cautions that some wart removers are flammable and shouldn’t be used around fire, flame, heat sources (such as curling irons) and lit cigarettes.
Duct tape. Using duct tape to remove warts is a harmless but unproven approach. To try it, cover the wart with silver duct tape, changing it every few days. Between applications, soak the wart and gently remove dead tissue with a pumice stone or emery board. Then leave the wart open to the air to dry for a few hours before covering it with tape again.

In general, no matter which treatment you try, do these two things:

Cover the wart to help prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people.
Wash your hands after touching the wart.

If a plantar wart goes away after treatment and another wart grows, it could be because the area was exposed again to HPV.

Preparing for an appointment

You’ll likely start by seeing your primary care provider, who may then refer you to a specialist in disorders of the skin (dermatologist) or feet (podiatrist). The following tips can help you prepare for your appointment.

Prevention

What you can do

Bring a list of all medications you take regularly — including nonprescription medications and dietary supplements — and the daily dosage of each.

You may also want to list questions for your health care provider, such as:

If I have a plantar wart, can I start with at-home care?
If I use a home treatment, under what conditions should I call you?
If the first treatment doesn’t work, what will we try next?
If the growth isn’t a plantar wart, what tests do you need to do?
How long will it take to get results?
How can I prevent warts?

Preparing for an appointment

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider may ask you questions such as:

When did you first notice the wart?
Has it changed in size, color or shape?
Is your condition painful?
Have you had warts before?
Do you have diabetes or poor sensation in your feet?
Do you have any condition or take any medication that has weakened your ability to fight disease (immune response)?
Have you tried any home remedies? If so, how long have you used them and have they helped?
Do you use a swimming pool or locker room — places that can harbor wart-causing viruses?

What you can do in the meantime

If you’re sure you have a plantar wart, you may try nonprescription remedies or alternative medicine approaches. But talk with your health care provider before trying self-care treatments if you have:

Diabetes
Poor sensation in your feet
Weakened immunity

If pressure on the wart causes pain, try wearing well-cushioned shoes, such as athletic shoes that evenly support the sole and relieve some of the pressure. Avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes.

Plantar Wart: Causes and Treatments

Publication: 01/27/2023
Change: 01/30/2023

In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the diagnosis and proper treatment of various skin pathologies caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). One of the manifestations of HPV can be foot spikes, also known as plantar warts. Such formations cause physical discomfort due to their inconvenient location.

Complete eradication of human papillomavirus is not possible. However, it is possible to achieve a long-term remission and get rid of the external manifestations of the disease. In particular, there are a number of effective methods for removing plantar warts that allow you to remove formations without the risk of recurrence.

Author:

Ibraev Anatoly Tomasovich

Head of the Department of Cosmetology and Laser Technologies. Dermatologist-cosmetologist
Work experience: 16 years

Important!

The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For staging
correct diagnosis and treatment should always consult a doctor.

What are plantar warts?

Papillomaviruses are a distinct family of pathogens that are tissue specific. That is, they can affect a certain type of tissue characteristic of their localization. Some of the HPV varieties are pathogenic for humans and can affect the skin and mucous membranes. One of the main manifestations of the virus in this case is papillomatous growths, or warts.

Such neoplasms occur in about 12% of adults and in about 20% of school-age children. The papillomavirus can be transmitted both through direct and indirect contact with an infected person, as a result of which it is considered quite contagious. More often we are talking about the contact-household method of transmission, but do not forget about the sexual and birth canal. According to rough estimates by doctors, up to 9 people can be infected with this virus.0% of the world’s population.

There are several clinical varieties of warts (most often the growths are divided into 8 types), each of which is caused by HPV of a certain type. Spines in most cases are the result of human infection with HPV type 1. Less commonly, formations occur due to the virus of the 3rd, 27th, 29th and 57th types.

If we talk about the clinical manifestations of such growths, then they are dense rounded plaques. They are characterized by a granular surface, formations are covered with hyperkeratotic layers. They are painful, cause serious discomfort while walking. In addition to the feet, formations often appear on the palms – they have the same shape and external parameters.

When infected with HPV types 2 and 4, mosaic warts may appear on the soles and palms. These are plaques that have formed at the site of diffuse foci of keratosis, that is, when many small and closely spaced growths merge. This type of formation causes serious discomfort. It is difficult for a person to walk, because due to pressure on the foot, neoplasms are injured.

Without special treatment, plantar warts often disappear after 2-3 years. However, it is better not to delay their removal, as they will constantly increase in size. In addition, a person in this case can become an active carrier of pathology.

Types of warts

There are different types of neoplasms caused by HPV. The most common varieties are:

Plain (vulgar) . Such warts are localized on the back surfaces of the hands, palms, but in rare cases they can occur on the feet and face. They are flat growths (sometimes rising above the skin), which are non-inflammatory in nature. The sizes of such formations can reach 10 mm in diameter. The surface is bumpy and uneven, often there are papillae or villi. Common warts are characterized by a normal or gray hue. As a rule, they are painless.
Flat . Such growths are localized on the cheeks, forehead or neck, less often on the limbs and torso. They have the appearance of yellowish-brown or pale pink papules. Sufficiently dense to the touch, appear in groups. They have a smooth surface.
Plantar . Localized on the soles, but can also be found on the palms. Represent a small hyperkeratosis of the skin with clearly defined boundaries. They have a yellowish-gray tint. There is a black rod in the center. Painful on pressure.

If spines are detected, additional differential diagnosis of other warts is carried out. Often, such neoplasms have a similar appearance and localization, which will require clarification of the diagnosis.

Also, some experts distinguish specific types of spines:

Deep . These plantar warts grow into the skin, resulting in great discomfort while walking.
Flat . Warts of this type do not protrude above the surface of the skin, have a light pink or flesh color.
Internal . Formations of the subcutaneous type, which are localized on the toes. They are not always visible on the surface, but grow significantly into the skin.

Symptoms of thorns

In the early stages of a plantar wart, there is excessive keratinization. This means that areas with thickened skin may appear on the feet. Gradually, the size of such seals becomes larger, and the skin becomes rougher. To the touch, such areas are quite dense.

Further, it is possible to notice that a palpable pin has appeared in the center of the seal. Outwardly, the neoplasm looks like a flat nodule. The skin in this area has a yellow or brown tint, and in the center there is a black rod.

Very often spines appear on the lower crease of the thumbs, as they are compressed during walking. At first, one growth is detected, but new formations may appear near it, which will eventually merge into a mosaic wart.

As a rule, spines have a flat structure, as they are compressed due to walking. In most cases, they cause pain, so they are almost always detected by the patient on their own.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor:

Leather seal on the soles.
The appearance of small round formations of a dense structure.
Painful sensations when pressure is applied to growths.
Multiple neoplasms on the feet and hands.

Causes of

We have already noted that the main cause of plantar warts is the human papillomavirus. Its danger lies in the fact that it can enter the body in various ways and remain in a “sleeping” state for a long time. The incubation period often lasts several months or even years. As a result, a person does not even suspect about his infection.

The peculiarity of HPV is that the DNA of this virus is capable of producing viral particles in epithelial cells. In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic, as it is suppressed by cellular immunity. But with its decrease, the patient may experience a number of unpleasant symptoms. One of the most common are warts of various types.

A person may notice the appearance of spines when exposed to a number of adverse factors that reduce immunity. These include the following:

Infectious and catarrhal diseases.
The period of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Immunodeficiency pathologies.
Various metabolic disorders.
Sexually transmitted diseases.
Bad habits (eg alcohol abuse).
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Wrong, unbalanced diet.
Regular stress and lack of sleep.
Violation of personal hygiene rules.

Plantar warts are more common in children than in adults due to an underdeveloped immune system. As a result, the child’s body cannot cope with the papilloma virus on its own, which leads to characteristic manifestations of the pathology. For the same reason, elderly people and patients with serious chronic diseases are at risk.

Many believe that plantar warts are common in people with hyperhidrosis of the feet. Excessive sweating by itself cannot lead to the appearance of spikes. However, if a person is infected with HPV, then hyperhidrosis can become one of the provoking factors and contribute to the spread of infection. Therefore, patients with this problem may have multiple growths on different parts of the feet.

Wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes can also provoke the appearance of new warts. As a result of this, the skin of the feet will be constantly injured, in addition, increased sweating may occur.

Danger of plantar warts

Spines require mandatory treatment, as they carry a serious danger. When walking, such neoplasms can be injured and deformed, as a result of which a person will sooner or later not be able to walk normally. In addition, there is a risk of secondary infection or purulent lesions of the legs.

Mechanical friction and trauma to the plantar warts often leads to various bleeding, as there are capillaries inside the formations. In addition, in such cases, the risk of infection of family members increases.

Do not forget that such growths are a manifestation of the human papillomavirus. HPV does not penetrate into the blood, so the entire infectious process proceeds without inflammation. However, the cells of the basal layer are infected. Over time, this can lead to a number of serious complications, including oncological processes.

Some types of the virus are oncogenic, so they can provoke various types of cancer. And it’s not just about skin cancer, but also damage to the cervix and other body systems. Therefore, it is not worth neglecting the treatment of such a pathology. It will not be possible to completely get rid of the human papillomavirus, but you can reduce the risk of complications and prevent its external manifestations.

Diagnosis of plantar warts

The presence of spines can be confirmed by a dermatologist during the initial consultation. In addition to examining the formations, the specialist collects the patient’s history. The following is specified:

How long ago did the formations appear?
Were there similar growths on other parts of the body?
Is there any soreness or itching?
Are there any chronic or immunodeficiency diseases?

To determine the specific type of HPV, a laboratory study of the biomaterial by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is used. HPV infects epithelial cells, so tissue scraping from the formation is taken for diagnosis. PCR has 100% specificity and sensitivity, which allows you to accurately determine the type of virus in the body. Thanks to this, it is possible to determine its oncogenic potential and select methods of treatment.

Important!

The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For staging
correct diagnosis and treatment should always consult a doctor.

Removal methods

Now consider how to treat a plantar wart. There are techniques that allow you to remove any type of formation: they are divided into destructive, chemical, immunotropic. The choice of treatment tactics is individual, since it is important to take into account the localization of growths, the nature of the process (primary or recurrent), the area of the lesion and other factors. A high risk of recurrence is often noted for large warts and periungual localization. In this case, the use of complex methods may be required.

Sometimes a doctor may prescribe immunomodulators and antiviral drugs for a patient. Most often, such products are used together with external treatment, since they only suppress the activity of the virus, but do not always help get rid of cosmetic defects on the skin.

In the past, salicylic acid preparations were one of the most popular treatments. This method was quite safe, but not always allowed to achieve high efficiency. In particular, in the case of plantar warts, relapses often occurred. Therefore, today such drugs are more often used to treat flat warts on the face and hands. Most often we are talking about the treatment of superficial and shallow formations. As a rule, chemicals are produced in the form of gels and ointments. They may have immunomodulatory, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

There are preparations based on salicylic acid with different content of active ingredients. Most of these drugs are prescription, as they require proper use and can lead to a number of side effects. For this reason, preference is given to destructive techniques aimed at the complete removal of the neoplasm. The most commonly used procedures are:

Cryodestruction . The basis of such treatment of spines is exposure to liquid nitrogen. The impact is only on the affected areas of the feet. Under the influence of low temperatures, an instantaneous death of the tissue of the growth occurs. The wart is frozen for 10-30 seconds, small formations can be removed in one session.

One of the advantages of the technique is the presence of a limited zone of necrosis, that is, during treatment, adjacent healthy tissues are not damaged. The effectiveness of cryodestruction directly depends on the chosen treatment regimen and the nature of the neoplasms.

Other benefits of cryotherapy include:

Fast preparation and implementation.
Painless.

The recovery process after the procedure can be quite lengthy, and healing in the area of the feet often takes several weeks. Therefore, this technique is more often used to remove warts with localization between the fingers or in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nails.

Electrocoagulation . Another possible treatment for spinal cords is electrocoagulation. This method is based on the effect of high-frequency electric current. Due to thermal energy, interstitial fluid evaporates, tissue coagulation occurs. It is possible to eliminate sufficiently voluminous formations, so the procedure is often used when mosaic warts appear on the soles.

Among the advantages of electrocoagulation are the following:

Accessibility for patients.
Fast preparation and implementation.
Versatility – suitable for most types of papillomas.

However, such manipulation can be quite traumatic. In addition, it is not recommended for use in cases where a good cosmetic effect is important for the patient.

Radio wave removal . Destruction of neoplasms can be performed using exposure to radiofrequency waves. There is an incision and instant coagulation of tissues due to the radio knife. This method of treatment is good because it does not affect healthy tissues and surrounding vessels. Papillomas and plantar warts are removed from the root.

Radio waves affect the intercellular fluid in tissues. As a result, the liquid heats up, which destroys the integrity of the affected cell. This technique is quite safe and effective, but is more often used for small neoplasms. Among the advantages note the following:

Instant vascular coagulation.
Ability to eliminate multiple warts.
Minimum number of contraindications.

Laser destruction . One of the most effective treatments for plantar warts is laser therapy. The essence of the procedure is to influence the affected tissue with high-intensity laser radiation. The most commonly used device is DOT CO2, which provides excellent aesthetic results.

Due to laser radiation, tissues are heated, which provokes destructive processes. At the same time, the effect is directed to the hemoglobin of erythrocytes, which are contained in the blood vessels of the wart. A necrotic area with a growth (often referred to as a “crust”) remains at the site of exposure, which is rejected on its own after a few days.

The laser has a point effect, as a result of which there is no injury to surrounding healthy tissues. This type of treatment is often chosen for its safety and effectiveness. In addition, the rehabilitation period is quite easy and painless, which is important in the treatment of plantar neoplasms.

Other benefits of laser therapy include:

Minimum number of contraindications.
Removal of multiple growths.
Versatile – can be used on any type of wart.
Painless procedure.

In severe cases, surgical removal of the spines may be considered. This method is used for large areas of the lesion, as well as for suspicion of a malignant nature of the formation (during surgical removal, it is possible to perform a tissue biopsy). But in other cases, the technique is not used, as it is quite traumatic. During the procedure, it is often necessary to remove adjacent healthy tissue.

It is always necessary to get rid of plantar warts, regardless of their size, number and degree of pain. The appearance of the following symptoms should be especially alert:

Pain when walking or pressing.
Bleeding spines.
The appearance of inclusions or discoloration of the growth.
Enlargement of the wart in size.
Appearance of new small formations around.

Many patients neglect medical care and prefer home treatment with various ointments and gels. Traditional medicines are also often used. These techniques are often effective in the initial appearance of warts. But after a few months, relapses of the pathology occur, multiple neoplasms of large sizes are observed. Therefore, we advise you not to self-medicate and make an appointment with a dermatologist or therapist.

Prevention of warts

Preventive measures play an important role in preventing relapse. Doctors’ recommendations are as follows:

Wear loose, comfortable shoes . Shoes should be sized, not too tight. It is best to choose a pair of natural materials. Also, if possible, wear special orthopedic insoles if you have flat feet or other musculoskeletal disorders.
Cure foot hyperhidrosis . Excessive sweating of the feet in most cases can be corrected with deodorants, ointments, drugs or physiotherapy. Therefore, to exclude new spikes, try to get rid of the existing problem.
Treat injuries, scrapes and cuts on the feet . Any violation of the integrity of the skin can lead to infection with HPV. In addition, there is a risk of developing a purulent lesion. Therefore, do not forget about the use of antiseptic and wound healing agents.
Strengthen immunity . A proper balanced diet, normal sleep, lack of stress and the rejection of bad habits will help strengthen the immune system and prevent the appearance of spinal cords. Give up a sedentary lifestyle, include regular walks and workouts in your daily routine. In addition, pay attention to your health and prevent the recurrence of chronic pathologies in time. And when the first signs of a plantar wart appear, do not neglect a visit to the doctor.

We hope that you figured out how to remove the spine and why such a neoplasm needs to be treated. If you need help in removing a wart, then you can make an appointment with our Altermed Aesthetic clinic. We will be waiting for you!

Literature

Belyaev VV Plantar, flat, vulgar warts: modern approaches to treatment // Clinical dermatology and venereology. – 2012. – No. 10(6). – pp. 55–59.
Khlebnikova A. N. Treatment of vulgar and plantar warts / A. N. Khlebnikova, E. V. Selezneva, O. V. Dorokhin // Bulletin of dermatology and venereology. – 2015. – T. 91, No. 1. – S. 122–128.

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Plantar warts are benign growths on the skin of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus has many serotypes, but types 1, 2, 4, 25 and 57 mainly cause lesions on the soles of the feet. The problem is more common in young people. Infection with the pathogen occurs through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces (walking barefoot in a sauna, swimming pool, on the sand).