What are plantar warts and how do they develop. How can you identify plantar warts on your feet. What are the most effective treatments for plantar warts. How can you prevent plantar warts from recurring. When should you seek medical attention for plantar warts.

Understanding Plantar Warts: Causes and Risk Factors

Plantar warts are a common foot condition that affects many individuals, particularly children. These warts appear on the bottom of the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, making locker room floors and swimming pool areas prime locations for transmission.

The virus enters the body through small cuts or cracks in the skin, leading to the development of warts. People with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to developing plantar warts. Understanding the cause of plantar warts is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

How does HPV lead to plantar wart formation?

HPV triggers an overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the skin. This excess keratin buildup results in the formation of warts. The specific strains of HPV responsible for plantar warts are different from those that cause warts on other parts of the body.

Recognizing Plantar Warts: Symptoms and Appearance

Identifying plantar warts can be challenging, as they sometimes resemble calluses or other skin conditions. However, there are several distinct characteristics that can help you recognize them:

• Pain or tenderness when walking or applying pressure to the foot
• Thickened skin on the bottom of the foot
• Tiny black dots (dried blood in capillaries) within the wart
• White or skin-colored lesions on the foot’s underside

Plantar warts often appear on the underside of toes or the heel, but they can develop anywhere on the foot’s bottom. In some cases, they may grow inward, beneath the skin’s surface, making them even more difficult to identify.

Can plantar warts be mistaken for other foot conditions?

Yes, plantar warts can sometimes be confused with calluses or corns. However, a key difference is that plantar warts may have tiny black dots visible within them, which are actually small, clotted blood vessels. If you’re unsure whether you have a plantar wart or another foot condition, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Effective Treatment Options for Plantar Warts

While some plantar warts may resolve on their own, many cases require treatment. There are several effective options available, ranging from at-home remedies to medical interventions:

1. Salicylic acid: Available over-the-counter, this treatment helps “burn” off the wart
2. Cryotherapy: A medical procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to “freeze” the wart
3. Curettage: Surgical removal of the wart
4. Topical medications: Prescribed by a doctor for direct application to the wart
5. Laser therapy: Used to destroy the blood vessels feeding the wart

Which treatment method is most effective for plantar warts?

The most commonly used treatments are salicylic acid and cryotherapy. Both methods have shown similar efficacy in treating plantar warts. A small review from 2019 found that salicylic acid treatment was as effective as cryotherapy performed by a doctor. However, the best treatment option may vary depending on the individual case and the wart’s characteristics.

At-Home Treatment: Using Salicylic Acid for Plantar Warts

Salicylic acid is a popular over-the-counter treatment for plantar warts. This method involves consistent application of the medication to gradually remove the wart:

• Available in various forms: liquid, cream, stick, or embedded on cotton pads
• Typically requires application for about 12 weeks
• Follow package instructions carefully for best results

While salicylic acid can be effective, it’s important to note that treatment success often depends on consistent and proper application. If the wart persists or returns after treatment, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

How does salicylic acid work to remove plantar warts?

Salicylic acid works by gradually peeling away the infected skin cells. This process not only removes the visible part of the wart but also helps expose the virus to the immune system, potentially triggering a more effective immune response against the HPV infection.

Medical Interventions: When to Seek Professional Help

While many plantar warts can be treated at home, there are situations where professional medical intervention is necessary:

• The wart is causing significant pain
• The wart is spreading to other areas
• Home treatments have been ineffective
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• You’re unsure if the growth is actually a wart

A healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on the wart’s characteristics and your individual health factors.

What advanced treatments might a doctor recommend for persistent plantar warts?

For stubborn or recurring plantar warts, a doctor may suggest combination treatments. This could involve using cryotherapy in conjunction with salicylic acid application, or employing more advanced methods like laser therapy or immunotherapy to stimulate the body’s immune response against the virus.

Prevention Strategies: Reducing the Risk of Plantar Warts

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

• Wear protective footwear in public showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
• Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes with others
• Treat any cuts or abrasions on your feet promptly
• Maintain good overall foot hygiene

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing plantar warts or spreading them to others.

Are some people more susceptible to developing plantar warts?

Yes, certain factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to plantar warts. Children and teenagers tend to be more prone to developing these warts due to their developing immune systems. Additionally, people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy, may be at higher risk. Frequent exposure to environments where HPV thrives, like public pools or communal showers, can also increase the likelihood of infection.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

Accurately diagnosing and treating plantar warts is crucial for several reasons:

1. Prevents spread to other areas of the body or to other people
2. Reduces pain and discomfort associated with the wart
3. Minimizes the risk of complications, especially for those with diabetes or compromised immune systems
4. Ensures the most effective treatment method is used, saving time and resources

If you suspect you have a plantar wart, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional, particularly if the wart is causing pain or spreading. A doctor can determine the extent of the wart’s growth beneath the skin and recommend the most suitable treatment options.

How can a healthcare professional definitively diagnose a plantar wart?

Healthcare professionals typically diagnose plantar warts through a combination of visual examination and patient history. In some cases, they may use a dermoscope, a special magnifying tool, to examine the wart more closely. If there’s uncertainty about the diagnosis, a small skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of HPV.

Long-Term Management and Recurrence Prevention

Managing plantar warts often extends beyond initial treatment. Here are some key points to consider for long-term management and preventing recurrence:

• Follow through with the entire course of treatment, even if the wart appears to be gone
• Monitor the treated area for signs of recurrence
• Continue practicing good foot hygiene and preventive measures
• Consider using over-the-counter treatments at the first sign of recurrence
• Consult a healthcare professional if warts persist or frequently recur

Remember that plantar warts can be stubborn and may require multiple treatments or a combination of approaches for complete resolution. Patience and consistency are key in managing this condition effectively.

Why do plantar warts sometimes recur after treatment?

Plantar warts may recur for several reasons. The HPV virus can remain dormant in skin cells even after the visible wart has been removed. Additionally, if the entire wart isn’t completely eliminated during treatment, it may regrow. Factors like a weakened immune system or continued exposure to environments where HPV thrives can also contribute to recurrence. This is why it’s crucial to maintain preventive measures even after successful treatment.

Understanding plantar warts, from their causes to effective treatments and prevention strategies, empowers individuals to manage this common foot condition effectively. By recognizing the symptoms early, seeking appropriate treatment, and implementing preventive measures, you can minimize the impact of plantar warts on your daily life and overall foot health. Remember, while many cases can be managed at home, persistent or painful warts warrant professional medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome.

What is it, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Some plantar warts will go away naturally. Others may require at-home or medical treatments, such as applying salicylic acid to “burn” off the wart, or liquid nitrogen to “freeze” off the wart.

Plantar warts are warts that affect the bottom of the feet. They are very common, especially in children.

A plantar wart, sometimes called a verruca, is typically associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) according to research from 2020. HPV causes a buildup of the protein keratin on the skin, which can result in warts.

HPV thrives in warm, moist places, such as locker room floors and around swimming pools. Those little puddles on the surface of pool tiles are a breeding ground for HPV.

The virus is transmitted by direct contact and may be picked up more easily if you have an opening or crack in your skin.

While plantar warts can appear anywhere on the foot, they appear most often on the bottom of the foot, according to 2019 research. They usually show up on the underside of your toes or your heel.

Occasionally, plantar warts grow inward, below the surface of the skin, and may look like a callus. A healthcare professional can help you determine whether your hard spot is a plantar wart or a callus.

Plantar warts can be painful. One of the first symptoms you may notice is pain or tenderness when putting pressure on your foot while walking.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, other symptoms of a plantar wart include:

• thickened skin on the bottom of your foot
• tiny black dots on your foot, which are actually dried blood stuck in the capillaries in and around the wart
• white or skin-colored lesions on the bottom of your foot

In some cases, a plantar wart will resolve naturally. Other cases may require treatment. You can treat a plantar wart a few different ways, either by seeing a doctor or by treating the wart at home.

Treatments include:

• salicylic acid, which can help “burn” off the wart and comes in forms such as a liquid, cream, stick, or embedded on cotton pads
• cryotreatment, which can be used to “freeze” off the wart
• curettage, which involves cutting out the wart
• medication applied directly to the wart
• laser therapy to burn off the blood vessels that feed the wart

Salicylic acid and liquid nitrogen are the most common treatments. Both require multiple treatments over several weeks to get rid of the wart or warts.

Salicylic acid is available over the counter. You can use it at home. Follow the directions on the packaging, and expect to apply the medication for approximately 12 weeks.

One small review from 2019 found that treating a plantar wart with salicylic acid was just as effective as cryotreatment by a doctor.

If your wart is deep or if it returns, you may need to see a doctor. Your doctor may combine different treatments, such as cryotherapy with salicylic acid, for more effective results.

Plantar warts are caused by HPV, which is a group of viruses that can affect your skin.

HPV can cause warts on other parts of your body, but only the warts on your feet are classified as plantar warts.

In individuals with plantar warts, HPV has found a way into the body via a cut or scrape on the skin. People with a weakened immune system may be more susceptible to developing plantar warts.

If you suspect you have a plantar wart, you should check in with a doctor, since it can be hard to tell how much the wart has grown beneath the skin. You should definitely see a doctor if the wart is causing you pain or spreading to another location.

A doctor can help you determine which treatment is best for you based on how advanced the wart is. If the wart has returned, for example, your doctor might choose a different combination treatment to ensure its removal.

Once your doctor has diagnosed your plantar wart, they will recommend removal methods such as salicylic acid or cryotreatment.

It’s important to get a doctor’s advice before trying to remove the wart. Doing so without input from a physician could result in damage to your foot. Never try to remove a plantar wart by cutting it off yourself.

While there are home remedies floating around on the internet that may involve things like essential oils or apple cider vinegar, most of these treatments have not been proven and could end up causing more discomfort.

Most treatments for plantar warts take several weeks. The most important thing to remember when treating a wart is consistency.

Plantar warts can be difficult to eliminate and have a tendency to return, so be sure to follow your treatment plan carefully.

Cryotherapy usually requires two to three trips to the doctor for liquid nitrogen therapy. Laser therapy might work in one to three treatments.

If you’ve had your wart cut off by a doctor, stay off your foot for about a day. Keep the area covered with a bandage, and avoid putting pressure on the wart site.

To help prevent a plantar wart, consider the following tips:

• Always cover your feet in shared community spaces, such as pools, locker rooms, or dorms.
• If you are under 26 years old, ask your doctor about receiving the HPV vaccine. It may help prevent warts, though more research is needed.
• If you have a wart, change your shoes and socks daily.
• Keep the wart covered, and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading plantar warts to other people.

Plantar warts are common and treatable. There’s no single treatment that’s always effective. You may be able to treat them at home, but more serious cases may require treatment at your doctor’s office.

Plantar Warts: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What are plantar warts? 

Warts are a growth on the skin that is caused by a viral infection from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 100 different
strains of HPV, but only a few cause warts on your feet. The others are more likely to cause warts on other areas of your skin &
body eg. hands, face or genitals. A wart that you find on the sole of your foot is officially called a verruca wart or plantar
wart.

Although they’re not related to pressure and can be found anywhere on the feet, you’ll often find them on your heels or other
weight-bearing areas. 

Plantar warts are not usually a serious concern for your health, however due to their contagious nature and if they are causing you pain and
discomfort, we recommend seeking advice and a treatment plan from our podiatrists in Brisbane.  

Causes & risk factors

HPV is a slow-growing virus that is transmitted by direct or indirect contact. This means you could get it directly from someone who has the
virus (e.g. skin to skin contact), or by sharing floor surfaces, shoes or socks with someone infected. However, not everyone that comes in
contact with the virus will develop warts, as each person’s immune system responds differently to the viral strains. 

The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, so is commonly picked up from communal areas such as public showers and pools, entering your
body through a cut or a break in the skin.

This virus attacks the skin on the bottom of your feet, causing the top layer of skin to grow rapidly and form a fleshy raised
lesion.  

Anyone can get a plantar wart. Nonetheless there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of getting a foot wart, including;

• Children & teenagers. They are more common in children & teenagers, due to increased exposure from public
  spaces e.g. school pools, and they are still building immunity to viruses. 
• Weakened immune system
• Walking barefoot in communal areas especially where the virus thrives e.g. locker rooms & showers.
• Cuts, injuries or skin infections on your feet that become a portal of entry for the virus
• Having direct contact with someone with warts 

Symptoms

Plantar warts can present at all shapes and sizes. As it is a viral infection, tiny blood vessels grow at the core of the wart. These
tiny vessels supply it with blood and nutrients, and often appear as little dark spots in the centre of the wart. It is common to
experience pain from a plantar wart, particularly if it is on weight-bearing area  of your foot. The pressure that your body weight
places on the wart is what makes it uncomfortable.   

Some common symptoms you may experience if you have a plantar wart:

• A small, rough, grainy lesion that is growing on the sole of the foot (usually on the toes, the ball of the foot or the heel region).
• The fleshy lesion has a solid border.
• Black dark spots in the lesion.
• Can have overlying hard skin with a yellowish appearance.
• Pain when squeezing the outside margins of the lesion. 
• Pain when walking if it’s on a weight-bearing area of the foot.
• A lesion that disrupts the normal skin lines and patterns on your foot
• There may be multiple lesions in a similar location. This is called a mosaic
  wart.

Diagnosis

If you experience some or all of the symptoms above, you may be able to diagnose yourself with a simple test. It can be done using The
Squeeze Test.
This can help to identify whether you have a wart or a corn.  

The Squeeze Test
Simply squeeze the area from either side — if this elicits pain, it is more likely a wart versus a corn.

To ensure you get an accurate diagnosis, we recommend seeing one of our podiatrists, as the treatment for a wart is very different to
the treatment for a corn. Your
podiatrist can usually tell if your skin growth is a wart just by looking at it, but if it is still not clear, a sample may be taken
to be analysed and confirmed. 

Treatment

Generally, warts will go away on their own, but plantar warts often require active treatment and removal because they can be very painful
based on their location on the sole of the foot. Some warts go away after a few treatments whereas long standing warts can take several
months to be fully resolved.

Podiatrist’s can help in a number of ways, including:

• Use Swift Therapy, medical microwave technology that is
  highly effective in resolving warts.
• Sharp debridement to remove the hard outer layer of the wart tissue
• Use of mild acids to burn away the wart tissue
• Use of cryotherapy to freeze the wart
• Minor surgery done under local anaesthetic for complete plantar wart removal

Swift Therapy

SWIFT uses medical microwave technology that is highly effective in resolving warts and verrucae.

The machine allows us to deliver a focused microwave signal into the skin, ensuring only the wart is treated. It rapidly heats wart tissue
to 42-45ºC. This sudden increase in temperature can cause discomfort, however, as SWIFT treatments are very quick, discomfort only lasts a
few seconds. Once the appropriate dosage has been delivered, you can walk out without dressings and in no pain. For most people, the
warts will not require sharp debridement before using SWIFT. 

This technology has between a 75-83%
success rate,
which is higher than any other treatment currently on the market.

Find out more about SWIFT Therapy.

In clinic chemical treatments

There are two main topical chemicals used in clinics to treat your warts.

1. Silver Nitrate 

• Most gentle chemical application 
• The podiatrist would debride away wart tissue to expose blood supply and then apply silver nitrate to the wart tissue. 
• The debridement and chemical application cause tissue trauma in attempt to kick start the body’s immune system into action.
• Silver nitrate can cause a grey staining of the skin which will eventually wear off. 

2. Salicylic Acid 

• This chemical is typically formulated into a paste-like substance, which is applied to the lesion after debridement.
• Similarly, to silver nitrate, the chemical reacts with the skin creating tissue trauma in attempt to activate the body’s immune
  response.

Depending on the size of the wart and how long the infection has been present, you may require several treatments. We recommend these
chemicals are applied every 1-2 weeks until resolved. In some cases, we may encourage you to apply an over-the-counter treatment in addition
to these chemical treatments throughout your treatment period.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the technique where a freezing agent (usually liquid nitrogen) is applied directly to the wart. It’s a very quick treatment
but the freezing sensation can cause discomfort and a blister may form after, which will resolve in the days following the treatment.

It may be tender to walk on following the procedure but in most cases you require less treatments using this method versus the chemical
treatments.

This treatment is usually repeated 2-4 weeks apart until resolved.

Surgical plantar wart removal

Curettage is a surgical procedure where the area around the wart is numbed by a local anaesthetic. The podiatrist then removes the wart
tissue to expose healthy skin. Phenol chemical is then used to burn the wart tissue and silver nitrate is used to stem the bleeding. 

During the first few days post surgery, you will need to stay off the foot as much as possible, as it will be tender with weight bearing.
Within 1-2 weeks most people are walking normally and pain is significantly reduced/resolved.

The
success rate of this treatment is estimated between 65-85%.

At home treatment options

Over-the-counter

There are many brands of over-the-counter products e.g. Wart
Off
or Wartner. These over the counter remedies usually contain either;
a mild concentration of salicylic acid or are a home freezing kit. If we were to recommend an at home treatment, we would suggest trying
the wart off stick. Apply for 4 weeks
following the directions on the packet and if this does not resolve the issue, contact our podiatrists for an appointment. 

Home remedies 

• Duct tape to suffocate the wart
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic

Although you may know people who have had success with these remedies. It is important to remember that to successfully treat a wart, we
need to stimulate an immune system response to combat the virus. These at home remedies have little to no evidence for success and
can cause skin irritation and/or infection.  

What can happen if I ignore a plantar wart?

In 65% of cases, warts will clear up on their own and without medical intervention. However, if you ignore a severe plantar wart or a mosaic
wart, the following could happen:

• Prolonged pain and discomfort, resulting in more serious treatment down the track.
• Changes in posture or normal gait if a painful wart is changing how you stand, walk or run and is causing
  muscle or joint discomfort.
• The virus could spread to other parts of the body, causing more warts to develop.
• You could pass on the virus to other people, including friends and family. 

Prevention

Here are a few tips to prevent warts from occurring in the first place:

• Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas
• Keep your socks and shoes clean
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Avoid having direct contact with people with existing wart

FAQs

Plantar wart vs corn?

They can have a similar physical appearance so it’s important to get a correct diagnosis.  

A corn is an area of thickened skin that develops
from pressure or friction. It often appears yellow and raised due to the thickening of the skin and may be surrounded by flaky skin.
You will often experience pain or discomfort while walking however there won’t be pain when performing the “squeeze
test”. 

Warts can have overlying yellow, hard skin, but generally they will have a more fleshy appearance with dark spots in the centre as
well. They will usually be sore when walking AND when performing the “squeeze test”. 

Why do I keep getting plantar warts?

There is a good reason as to why your plantar warts keep popping up.
Unfortunately, once you contract the virus, it will stay in your system for life, even if there is no current physical evidence of
plantar warts.

This means there is always a chance that warts will continue to grow in the area. 

Refer to the what
are plantar warts
section above for more information.  

What works best for plantar wart removal?

Swift Therapy currently has the best success rate of
75-83%, higher than any other treatment offered on the market. 

Are plantar warts contagious?

Yes, the HPV virus that causes plantar warts is very contagious and can easily spread to other areas of your body as well as other
people, through direct contact or indirect transmission e.g. a floor in a communal locker room. 

What are the types of warts?

The type of wart is classified by where it is found on your body and what it looks like. There are five major types including: 

Plantar warts: warts that grow on the soles of your feet
Common
warts:
usually grow on your fingers and toes but can be found in any non-genital region. They are round in shape and rough to touch.
Flat warts:
These are smaller than the other types and commonly found on the face, thighs or arms. They usually grow in large numbers so can look
like a rash to some people. As the name suggests, they are flat and often a pink or brownish colour.
Filiform warts:
These develop on the face, specifically around the eyes, nose and mouth. They have long projections and will look almost spiky or like
the bristles in a brush. They are usually flesh-coloured and painless.  
Periungual warts:
warts that cluster and grow around the fingernails and toenails. They start small
but will slowly grow to rough, dirty-looking bumps
that resemble cauliflower. As they grow they can cause pain and discomfort, and may affect your nail growth. 

How to identify a wart?

A simple way to identify whether you have a plantar wart is by using the “squeeze test”. This can help identify between a
wart and a corn. 

See how to perform this test in the diagnosis section above.

If you can not effectively diagnose yourself, we recommend seeing one of our podiatrists to ensure you’re getting an accurate diagnosis.

How to get rid of warts?

There a number of treatment options for plantar warts including medical
microwave therapy,
cryotherapy, chemical treatments and even surgery. Your podiatrist can help decide what is the right treatment option for you.

Refer to the treatment section above for more
information

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, scratches 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.