How are plantar warts diagnosed. What are the most effective treatments for plantar warts. Can plantar warts be treated at home. When should you see a doctor for plantar wart removal. How long does it take to get rid of plantar warts. Are there any risks associated with plantar wart treatments.

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, plantar warts can cause significant discomfort, 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 within them. These dots are actually small blood vessels that have grown into the wart. The warts may be flat or slightly raised and can occur individually or in clusters.

How do plantar warts differ from other types of warts?

Plantar warts are unique in their location and appearance. Unlike common warts that often appear on hands or fingers, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure of walking and standing. This inward growth can make them more painful and challenging to treat compared to warts on other parts of the body.

Diagnosing Plantar Warts: When to Seek Medical Attention

While many plantar warts can be self-diagnosed, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure or if the wart is causing significant pain or discomfort. Healthcare professionals typically diagnose plantar warts through a physical examination and may use the following methods:

• Visual inspection: Examining the affected area for characteristic appearance
• Paring: Gently removing the top layer of the wart to check for signs of small blood vessels
• Dermoscopy: Using a special magnifying device to examine the wart more closely

In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other skin conditions.

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, allowing new, healthy skin to grow in its place.

To use salicylic acid effectively:

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

It’s important to note that salicylic acid treatments can take several weeks or even months to completely remove the wart. Patience and consistency are key when using this method.

Cryotherapy Sprays: Freezing Warts at Home

Another over-the-counter option is cryotherapy sprays. These products contain a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane, which freezes the wart tissue. When applied correctly, the freezing action causes the wart to blister and eventually fall off.

To use cryotherapy sprays safely:

• Clean and dry the affected area
• Apply the spray as directed, being careful not to freeze surrounding healthy skin
• Allow the area to thaw naturally
• Repeat the treatment as recommended on the product packaging

While convenient, home cryotherapy treatments are generally less effective than those performed by healthcare providers due to the lower temperatures achieved.

Home Remedies and Alternative Treatments for Plantar Warts

In addition to over-the-counter products, several home remedies and alternative treatments have gained popularity for treating plantar warts. While scientific evidence for these methods may be limited, some individuals report success with these approaches.

The Duct Tape Method: A Controversial but Popular Approach

The duct tape method has garnered attention as an unconventional treatment for plantar warts. While research results are mixed, some people find this method effective.

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 about six days
4. Remove the tape, soak the foot, and gently file the wart
5. Leave the wart exposed overnight, then reapply fresh tape the next day
6. Repeat this process for several weeks or until the wart disappears

The exact mechanism by which duct tape may work is unclear, but theories suggest it might suffocate the wart or stimulate the immune system to fight the virus.

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Natural Acid Treatment

Some people advocate for using apple cider vinegar as a natural alternative to salicylic acid. The acetic acid in vinegar is thought to kill some types of bacteria and viruses.

To use apple cider vinegar:

• Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar
• Apply the soaked cotton ball to the wart and secure it with a bandage
• Leave it on overnight or for several hours during the day
• Repeat daily until the wart disappears

It’s important to monitor the skin for signs of irritation when using this method, as vinegar can be harsh on sensitive skin.

Professional Medical Treatments for Stubborn Plantar Warts

When home treatments fail or for particularly stubborn or large warts, professional medical interventions may be necessary. Healthcare providers have access to more potent treatments and specialized techniques for removing plantar warts.

Cryotherapy: Professional Freezing Techniques

Professional cryotherapy is similar in principle to over-the-counter freezing sprays but uses much colder temperatures, typically with liquid nitrogen. This method is more effective at destroying wart tissue and stimulating an immune response.

During a cryotherapy session:

• The healthcare provider applies liquid nitrogen to the wart using a spray or cotton swab
• The extreme cold destroys the wart tissue
• A blister may form and eventually fall off, taking the wart with it
• Multiple treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, may be necessary

While more effective than home treatments, professional cryotherapy can be painful and may cause temporary blistering or skin discoloration.

Laser Therapy: Precision Wart Removal

Laser therapy offers a high-tech approach to plantar wart removal. This treatment uses focused light energy to destroy the blood vessels that feed the wart, effectively killing it.

Benefits of laser therapy include:

• Precision targeting of the wart tissue
• Minimal damage to surrounding healthy skin
• Often fewer treatments required compared to other methods
• Reduced risk of scarring

However, laser therapy can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

Surgical Options for Plantar Wart Removal

In cases where other treatments have failed or for very large or deep warts, surgical removal may be considered. While effective, surgical options are typically reserved as a last resort due to the potential for scarring and longer recovery times.

Electrocautery and Curettage: Burning and Scraping

This procedure involves two steps:

1. Electrocautery: The wart is burned using an electric needle
2. Curettage: The dead wart tissue is scraped away with a specialized tool

While effective, this method often leaves a scar and may require local anesthesia.

Excision: Cutting Out the Wart

In some cases, the entire wart may be cut out surgically. This method ensures complete removal of the wart but:

• Requires local anesthesia
• May leave a scar
• Has a longer recovery time compared to other methods

Surgical excision is typically reserved for warts that have not responded to other treatments or those that are particularly large or deep.

Preventing Recurrence and Spread of Plantar Warts

After successfully treating plantar warts, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent their recurrence and avoid spreading the virus to others. The HPV virus that causes plantar warts can survive for extended periods on surfaces, making prevention an ongoing effort.

Personal Hygiene and Protection

To minimize the risk of developing new plantar warts or spreading existing ones:

• Keep feet clean and dry
• Change socks daily, especially if feet tend to sweat
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, particularly around pools or in locker rooms
• Wear flip-flops or water shoes in communal showers
• Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes with others
• Avoid touching or scratching existing warts to prevent spread to other areas of the body

Boosting Immune Function

A strong immune system can help fight off the HPV virus and prevent warts from developing. To support immune function:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Get adequate sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
• Consider supplements like zinc or vitamin C, which may support immune health (consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen)

When to Seek Professional Help for Plantar Warts

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

Signs That Warrant Medical Attention

Consider consulting a healthcare professional if:

• The wart is painful or interferes with daily activities
• Home treatments have been ineffective after several weeks
• The wart is spreading or multiplying
• There are signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or pus
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• You’re unsure if the growth is actually a wart
• The wart changes in appearance or color

A healthcare provider can offer more potent treatments and ensure that the condition is properly diagnosed and managed.

Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider

When seeking professional help for plantar warts, consider consulting:

• A primary care physician
• A dermatologist specializing in skin conditions
• A podiatrist focusing on foot-related issues

These specialists can provide expert diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual case.

Living with Plantar Warts: Managing Discomfort and Stigma

Dealing with plantar warts can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. The discomfort they cause and the stigma associated with warts can impact daily life and self-esteem.

Coping with Physical Discomfort

To manage the pain and discomfort associated with plantar warts:

• Use cushioned insoles or pads to reduce pressure on the affected area
• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that don’t squeeze or rub the wart
• Apply over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed
• Consider using moleskin pads with a hole cut out to surround the wart, reducing pressure

Addressing Emotional Impact

The presence of plantar warts can cause embarrassment or anxiety, particularly in social situations involving bare feet. To cope with these feelings:

• Remember that warts are a common, treatable condition
• Focus on treatment and prevention rather than self-consciousness
• Educate friends and family about the non-contagious nature of treated warts
• Seek support from online communities or support groups if feelings of stigma persist

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of living with plantar warts, individuals can maintain a positive outlook while working towards effective treatment and prevention.

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.

Plantar wart (spinal wart): causes and treatments

June 21, 2018

Plantar Warts is a type of wart that occurs on the soles of the feet and on the palms of the hands.
Of all skin warts, plantar warts occur in 30%. They are the ones most often removed.

The only cause is the human papillomavirus, HPV for short.

Scheme of infection: people scratched the skin. The virus enters the skin. Embedded in the genes of skin cells. The cell takes on ugly forms, becoming similar to tumor cells.

Caution: Some types of human papillomavirus can cause cervical dysplasia and cancer.
Infection with the type of HPV that causes warts occurs during childhood. Almost all children become infected with this virus – in kindergartens, at schools, in public places. But not everyone gets sick – it all depends on the immune system. In childhood, warts appear for the first time. Then the adult’s immune system copes with this virus. Therefore, in adults, warts on the skin rarely appear. And if an adult has spikes, this indicates a decrease in the activity of the immune system.
Entrance gates for the virus are injuries of the soles of the feet and palms: scratches, cuts, abrasions and calluses. Provoking factors – excessive sweating of the feet and wearing tight shoes, stress.

Main manifestation : hard, round formation on the palm or sole of the foot.

Main symptom : Pain when walking and itching around the wart.

Initial stage:

• a small callus appears,
• she itches,
• hurts when walking.

After 2-4 weeks:

• Rough surface appears in the center,
• often – black dots in the center, **
• along the edges – a small roller of keratinized skin.

Why?

• Why do spines appear on the palm and sole? Because the skin here is especially dense (unlike other parts of the body). And this type of HPV virus infects just such skin.
• Why does it hurt when walking? Because the spine grows inward. When walking, the weight of the body presses on the wart and it compresses the pain receptors.
• Why is itching? Because the ugly cells of the plantar wart on the foot and palm press on neighboring skin receptors, which leads to itching.
• Why black dots? This is the result of blockage of blood vessels in the thickness of the wart on the foot or on the palm.

Dimensions – 3 -10 mm. At the same time, they rise above the surface of the skin by only 1-2 mm, because they grow inward and in breadth.
Child warts may appear nearby. They merge with the mother and form a painful conglomerate. This is a clear indicator of a decrease in immunity. And this often requires medical treatment.

Methods of treatment:

In 90% of people, a plantar wart goes away without treatment at an early stage. The immune system suppresses the virus and heals the skin.
The time of self-healing depends on the stage of the process: from 2 weeks to 1.5 years.

When should a thorn be treated?

• if it hurts a lot,
• if it interferes with walking,
• if grown to a large size,
• if children appear nearby.

How and with what to treat warts on the feet?

Removal – a treatment that is successful in 98% of patients

Drug removal

Local necrotizing agents are used for this purpose.
Solcoderm, vartoks, duofilm, kollomak, super celandine and others
They contain acids or alkalis. Removal of plantar warts (thorns) occurs through a chemical burn of the skin. The wart is dying.
And in this place there is an inconspicuous scar.
The treatment time is long: an average of 14-20 days).
The probability of recurrence (reappearance at the same place) is very high.

Instrument removal

• Laser.

Your wart will be vaporized by the laser. In this place you will have a deep wound. The wound will heal in 10-14 days.
Disadvantages of the method: deep wound after removal. Rough scarring.

• Liquid nitrogen.

Deep freezing of tissue occurs. A bubble forms. It will hurt a lot and then hurt more!! Heals 14 days.
Disadvantages of the method: Severe pain during removal and after removal. Prolonged healing. Rough scar.

• Radio wave radiation (device “Surgitron”).

The same effect as from the laser – tissue evaporation. And only a deepening-wound will remain from the wart.

Advantages of the method:

Nearby vessels are coagulated, forming a dense crust at the site of the neoplasm, so the removal is performed without damage to the vessels and does not cause even the slightest blood loss.
The crust disappears on its own after 7-10 days. In its place is an inconspicuous scar.

The wart is burned out with an electrocoagulator. This is the same scalpel, only electric. It is now rarely used in large clinics.

Prevention is the foundation of the foundations

• Wearing loose shoes.
• Treatment of excessive sweating of the feet.
• Treatment of injuries, scratches and cuts on the feet.
• A healthy lifestyle and strengthening the immune system is the prevention of viral diseases, including the HPV virus.

plantar wart wart removal spine

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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.

You can become infected with HPV 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, the occurrence of a deep long-healing burn and the development of a rough scar are possible 0008 . 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. During laser destruction, in addition to the destruction of the formation itself, thermal heating (burning) of the surrounding tissues occurs, which, on the one hand, damages the virus, and on the other hand, leads to some inflammation around the removed wart. Wounds on the skin of the soles do not heal quickly, as there is constant pressure on the damaged area when walking. In addition, wound healing can be complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection, especially with excessive sweating of the legs.