Plantar wart treatment: What are the options?

Plantar warts are warts that form on the bottoms of your feet. Although treating and removing plantar warts can be tricky, there are a number of options that can be used at home or by a medical professional.

Over-the-counter treatments

Plantar warts are harmless and usually go away without treatment of any kind, but it may take a year or longer. However, if the wart is painful, growing or spreading, you may want it removed. There are several over-the-counter wart removers, including:

• Salicylic acid. This is the active ingredient found in many over-the-counter wart remedies. It works by peeling away the top layers of the wart a little at a time. Before treating with salicylic acid, you can soak the wart for 10 to 15 minutes, gently exfoliate the wart with an emery board or pumice stone, and then apply the salicylic acid product. Salicylic acid wart treatments are available in a number of forms, including liquid, gel, ointment and stick. You can also find medicated pads, similar to a patch. Medicated pads adhere directly to the wart and are typically designed to stay in place for 24 to 48 hours. After that time, they need to be removed and replaced with a new pad. Ointment, gel, stick and liquid wart remover products are typically applied daily or nightly. These methods require repeated treatments, often over weeks or months, to remove the wart completely.
• Cryotherapy. This treatment method involves freezing the wart off. There are over-the-counter wart medicines that use this method.
• Duct tape. Studies are mixed on this treatment, but it is harmless and may work. Use the standard silver duct tape, not clear duct tape, and cover the wart for six days. After removing the duct tape, you can soak the wart and exfoliate with an emery board or pumice stone. Leave the wart uncovered overnight, then reapply the duct tape in the morning for another six days and repeat this process for two months or until the wart is gone.

These over-the-counter remedies are meant for plantar warts. If you have a wart on your face or genitals, do not use an over-the-counter treatment. Instead, consult your healthcare provider.

How plantar warts are removed by a
doctor

If over-the-counter medicines don’t work, then it’s time to see a physician to treat your plantar warts. Treatments a doctor may use include:

• Salicylic acid. This is the same wart medicine found in over-the-counter remedies for warts, but in higher concentrations.
• Cryotherapy. This treatment method involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart. It’s more effective than over-the-counter cryotherapy products, but it still requires repeated treatments, usually about three to four treatments, with each treatment spaced out about every two to three weeks.
• Additional acids. Other acids, such as trichloroacetic acid, may be used to treat warts. This requires weekly treatments for several weeks.
• Additional treatments. Other wart medicines that have been used include the topical immunotherapy drug imiquimod, which causes an allergic response and irritation at the site of the wart. Another approach is to inject the wart with an antigen that is known to elicit a response in the person with the wart. The antigen will try to recruit the immune system to attack the wart. Other treatment methods include the chemotherapy drugs 5-fluorouracil and bleomycin. Cantharone (cantharidin) and retinoid creams may also be used to treat plantar warts.
• Surgery. Using a technique called electrodessication and curettage, a doctor uses an electric needle to dry the wart, then scoops it away. This can cause some scarring, and so it’s not commonly used on plantar warts.
• Laser. A doctor uses a laser to burn and close off the small blood vessels leading to the wart, causing the wart tissue to die. Wart removal by laser usually requires treatment every three to four weeks and may cause scarring.

When to see a physician

Some skin cancers can look like warts at first, so if you’re 50 or older and develop new warts, consult a dermatologist to make sure that what you think might be a wart isn’t something more serious. Warts that bleed or grow quickly should be seen by a medical professional.

Plantar warts are unsightly, annoying and sometimes painful. However, warts can be treated, either with over-the-counter remedies or by a doctor. If you’ve tried treating your wart without success, or if you have concerns, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.

Published February 2022.

Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-warts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352697
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/how-to-get-rid-of-warts
3. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw64902#aa27513
4. https://www.iowaclinic.com/primary-care/best-ways-get-rid-plantar-warts

Methods to try at home

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Self-care remedies can often remove plantar warts, which grow on the soles of the feet. Home and over-the-counter options include duct tape, tea tree oil, products containing salicylic acid, and more.

Plantar warts may disappear without treatment, but some safe and effective home remedies may speed up healing.

In this article, we review different home remedies for plantar warts.

Share on PinterestSalicylic acid is one possible home remedy for treating plantar warts.

Plantar warts are benign growths that appear on the top layer of the skin at the bottom of the feet.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), they are typically skin-colored and feel rough, but some may have brown or gray-black, flat, and smooth lesions.

People may mistake plantar warts for callouses, but warts might be painful when a person presses on them.

Although warts may disappear on their own, treatments are available to help speed up the healing of plantar warts.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) products for treating warts contain salicylic acid as the main ingredient. People can find salicylic acid for wart treatment in gel, liquid, or pad format.

According to the AAD, people should soak the wart in warm water before applying salicylic acid once a day. Sometimes, the healthy skin surrounding the wart can become painful or sore.

If this occurs, the AAD recommend stopping treatment temporarily and restarting after a few days. Warts take weeks to disappear, even with effective therapy, so briefly stopping treatment will not significantly affect the time it takes for the wart to disappear.

Applying duct tape to warts is a convenient and inexpensive treatment.

The AAD suggest changing the tape every few days, which may encourage the top layer of the skin of the wart to come off. After repeated application, the wart may eventually peel off.

However, studies have not confirmed the effectiveness of this home remedy. A 2020 study published in Dermatologic Therapy showed that traditional cryotherapy, or freezing, in a dermatologist’s office is more effective than duct tape therapy. However, the study suggested that duct tape therapy seems safe and may be effective in some circumstances.

A person can learn more about using duct tape for wart removal here.

Another product available over-the-counter (OTC) is freeze spray for warts.

Manufacturers suggest that freeze spray freezes the wart in a similar way to cryotherapy. However, cryotherapy employs much colder temperatures to destroy the wart.

According to older 2006 research, doctors use liquid nitrogen with a temperature of -196°C.

Pharmacy freeze sprays may only freeze the skin to -70°C and do not work as quickly as liquid nitrogen.

People may require longer treatment times with home freeze sprays. Even after having cryotherapy, people can expect to wait several months before seeing any improvement.

According to a 2012 study in American Family Physician, cryotherapy works better on common warts than plantar warts.

Some people use tea tree oil on warts and other skin infections.

An older 2008 study published in the journal, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, reported one case of successful treatment of warts on a child’s finger using tea tree oil.

In this study, the lesions were treated with tea tree oil once a day for 12 days. The wart disappeared, and the researchers reported that the affected area had completely healed after 12 days.

It is uncertain whether this treatment is effective for plantar warts. There is not enough research to prove the efficacy of tea tree oil for plantar wart removal.

Be aware that tea tree oil is available in a variety of strengths. People can apply some of these directly on the skin, but they must dilute others in a carrier oil. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

A 2015 study published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy reported the effectiveness of a topical 2% povidone-iodine solution for treating common warts.

Doctors and other healthcare professionals may use iodine preparations to clean a person’s skin before surgery or other interventions that break the skin barrier.

The preparation the researchers used in this study contained iodine, but they added other ingredients that are not available in pharmacies.

Although the results were promising, there is not enough research to confirm the efficacy of OTC iodine for treating plantar warts.

Zijinding is a Chinese herbal remedy for plantar warts. One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology identified three case reports of successful treatment of plantar warts with Zijinding paste prepared with white vinegar.

The three participants applied the Zijinding preparation over their plantar warts for 1.5–5 months. The researchers reported significant clinical response and no relapse for at least 10 months after stopping treatment.

There is not enough research to confirm the results of these three case reports.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) virus causes plantar warts.

Warts are contagious. To develop a wart, a person needs to be in direct contact with a source of the virus. This typically through skin-to-skin contact with a person that has warts.

People can get plantar warts from walking barefoot on surfaces where other people walk barefoot, such as at swimming pools and locker rooms.

Depending on the subtype of HPV, one plantar wart may look different from another one. Researchers have identified over 100 different subtypes of HPV.

Doctors have identified certain risk factors for developing plantar warts.

These risks include:

• immunocompromised state
• trauma to the skin
• contact with people who have warts
• certain activities, such as sports, manual labor, walking barefoot

Plantar warts are preventable. The AAD strongly recommend that people wear flip flops or pool shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas.

Plantar warts are contagious, and people should not touch another person’s warts.

Dermatologists recommend covering the wart and handwashing immediately after touching the wart. Dermatologists do not recommend shaving over a wart, as this can expose the virus to other parts of the body.

Other tips that dermatologists recommend for preventing warts include:

• avoid sharing towels, washcloths, razors, nail clippers, socks and other personal items of a person who has warts
• clean and cover cuts and scrapes
• prevent dry and cracked skin

People should see a doctor if they are not sure if the lesion on their foot is a wart.

According to the AAD, people with many warts on their feet require medical attention and treatment from a dermatologist.

Plantar warts typically do not cause symptoms, but if they hurt, itch, bleed, or burn, medical attention is necessary.

People with weakened immune systems should not try to self-treat plantar warts. It is dangerous to try removing a wart at home, especially for people living with diabetes.

People living with diabetes are at risk of permanent damage to the nerves of the feet, so they should see a doctor for plantar warts.

Plantar warts are a common medical condition. A person can contract the HPV infection via skin to skin contact. To prevent plantar warts, people should avoid walking barefoot in public, especially in pools, gyms, and locker rooms.

Although some plantar warts may disappear without treatment, some home remedies can help heal warts, such as salicylic acid. Other at-home remedies may be effective, but there is not enough research to confirm the efficacy of the other remedies.

Products for plantar wart removal

A person can buy products for plantar wart removal in a drugstore or online.

• salicylic acid products
• freeze sprays
• iodine

simple and effective treatments

Contents

• 1 Wart on the finger: how to treat it at home and quickly get rid of an unpleasant defect
  • 1.1 Causes of warts on the fingers
  • 1.2 The need for treatment of warts on the fingers 900 08
  • 1.3 How to diagnose yourself warts on the finger
    • 1.3.1 Appearance
    • 1.3.2 Location
    • 1.3.3 Symptoms
    • 1.3.4 Diagnosis
  • 1.4 Traditional Treatments for Finger Warts
  • 1.5 Alternative Treatments for Finger Warts
  • 1.6 Existing Treatments for Finger Warts
  • 1.7 Speeding Up the Healing of Finger Warts
  • 1.8 Choice of treatment for finger wart
  • 1.9 To Need help treating warts on your fingers?
  • 1. 10 How to prevent warts on fingers in the future
  • 1.11 How to strengthen immunity and get rid of warts on fingers permanently
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What causes a wart on the finger?
      • 1.13.0.2 What are the treatments for finger warts?
      • 1.13.0.3 How long does it take to treat a wart on a finger?
      • 1.13.0.4 Can finger warts come back after treatment?
      • 1.13.0.5 What are the traditional treatments for warts on the fingers?
      • 1.13.0.6 Can I treat a wart on my finger on my own?

Learn how to treat a wart on your finger yourself. The article describes effective methods of treatment and prevention. Get helpful tips for removing finger warts without surgery.

Finger warts are a common problem faced by many people. The reason for their appearance may be weakened immunity, contact with infected people or animals, as well as mechanical damage to the skin of the hands.

Warts can cause discomfort and distract from daily activities. However, there are several simple and effective treatments. They include the use of medicines, folk recipes and procedures in beauty parlors.

In addition, additional measures to combat warts will be hygiene, strengthening immunity and preventive measures, such as the use of personal hygiene products, proper nutrition and regular walks in the fresh air.

Causes of finger warts

Finger warts are a fairly common problem for many people. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin through contact with infected areas. But not all people who come into contact with the virus develop warts, as each body reacts to infection differently.

Weak immune system and damaged skin can contribute to the appearance of warts on the fingers. Also, the risk of infection increases when visiting pools, showers, saunas and other public places where there is high humidity and the likelihood of the virus spreading.

• Violation of the integrity of the skin of the fingers can lead to the appearance of warts. This can happen with frequent contact with dirt, dust and other contaminants
• Repeated rubbing and pressure on the site where the wart is located can also cause it to appear or increase in size
• Genetic predisposition can also be the cause of the appearance of warts on the fingers. If close relatives have warts, the likelihood of their appearance in other family members increases

The need for treatment of warts on the fingers

Warts on the fingers can create not only cosmetic discomfort, but also cause various diseases. If you do not see a doctor for treatment, warts on the fingers can grow to enormous sizes and become a provoking factor for the appearance of other diseases.

An untreated wart can cause unbearable pain and become a source of infection for the body as a whole. Inflammation that occurs at the location of the wart on the finger can damage the glands, tissues, and cause discoloration and scarring.

1. A sedentary lifestyle caused by pain can lead to other diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
2. Untimely treatment of warts on the fingers can lead to blood poisoning, which can cause sepsis, even death is not ruled out.
3. A wart on the fingers should not be cut off, as this will cause bleeding calluses, which will increase the risk of infection and threaten the development of other dangerous diseases.

At the first sign of warts on the fingers, you should contact a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.

How to self-diagnose a wart on your finger

Appearance

A wart on your finger looks like a small protrusion on the skin. It can be round or oval in shape, rough to the touch and of different colors – from light chestnut to brown. Sometimes a small dot can be seen in the center of the wart, which is a hardened blood vessel.

Location

Finger warts can be found on both fingers and toes. Most often they are located on the surface of the fingers and on the nail plate, but can also form between the fingers and on the skin of the hand or foot.

Symptoms

• Discomfort and itching
• Discoloration of the skin in the area of ​​the wart
• Increase in the size of the wart over time
• Possible appearance of new warts near the old one

Diagnostics ka

If you notice a protrusion or refinement of the skin on your finger, that looks like a wart, it is highly recommended to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and determine the optimal treatment strategy. Your doctor may perform a visual examination and suggest additional diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy or dermatoscopy.

Traditional treatments for finger warts

Finger warts are a common problem that requires effective treatment. In traditional medicine, there are various methods that help get rid of this problem.

• Salicylic acid – This drug helps in the removal of warts by dissolving fluid and softening tissues. The use of salicylic acid facilitates the removal of warts and promotes their recovery.
• Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove warts. This method is effective but can lead to irritation and pain.
• Laser removal is a procedure that allows you to quickly and effectively remove warts. However, this method can be expensive and may require multiple specialist visits.
• Home Remedies – There are also many home remedies used to remove warts. Starch, garlic, onion juice and pharmacy iodine can help remove warts.

The choice of treatment for a finger wart is an individual process that depends on personal preference and the size and location of the wart. Before starting treatment, it is best to consult a specialist for advice and evaluation of your problem.

Alternative treatments for finger warts

If you have a finger wart, there are alternative treatments in addition to traditional treatments. One of them is the use of vegetable oils. For example, you can use tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes skin healing.

You can also use tinctures of various herbs, such as psyllium or chamomile. To prepare the tincture, dry herb should be infused in boiling water, then strained and applied to the wart several times a day.

It is important to understand that alternative therapies are not a panacea and should only be used as an adjunct to a combination of treatments.

Existing drugs for the treatment of warts on the fingers

There are many drugs on the market today that provide effective treatment for warts on the fingers. One of the most popular drugs is cryomassage, which consists in freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This procedure helps to quickly destroy the wart, preventing its growth.

Another effective drug is Podophyllin, an ointment that is applied to the wart. The drug acts on the cells inside the wart, causing them to die. You can also use Kantaredin – a cream based on ant extract. This drug stimulates the immune system and has active anti-inflammatory properties.

• Cryomassage – freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
• Salicylic acid – ointment or liquid to penetrate the wart
• Podophyllin – ointment that acts on the cells inside the wart
• Cantaredin – cream based on formic extract

Before using any drug, you should consult your doctor and carefully study the instructions for use.

Speeding up the healing process of finger warts

Finger warts can cause a lot of inconvenience and pain, so there are a few simple ways to help speed up the healing process.

Use of special preparations. Certain medicines can help speed up the healing of warts, especially if they have softening, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory effects. One of these drugs is salicylic acid in the form of a special patch or cream.

Folk remedies. The use of folk remedies can significantly speed up the process of treating warts. For example, you can apply chopped garlic or a cotton swab dipped in vinegar to the wart. The use of eucalyptus or tea tree oils is also considered effective.

Food. Proper nutrition can also help you get rid of the wart faster. It is important to consume food rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and zinc. For example, you can increase your intake of citrus fruits, walnuts, or chicken meat.

Contact limitation. By limiting the wart’s contact with the outside world, you can reduce the risk of infection and speed up the healing process. For example, you can not wear shoes without socks or apply a protective patch to the wart.

Choosing the right treatment for a wart on your finger

When you have a problem with a wart on your finger, it’s important to decide which treatment is best for you. Most treatments for warts require time and patience, so you need to consider your choice and weigh the pros and cons.

Cryotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for finger warts. This method is flexible and fairly easy to use, allowing you to quickly get rid of the wart. However, cryotherapy can be painful and cause some complications.

Chemical preparations are also effective in the treatment of warts on the fingers. They are fairly easy to use, but can take weeks to show results. It is also worth considering the possibility of a burning sensation and discomfort.

Injury to the wart with special devices or twisting is a crude and painful treatment, but it is often a quick and quite effective solution. However, this method may involve risks of infection and some pain.

There are many other treatments for finger warts, and it is always worth asking your doctor for the most accurate information on which treatment is best for you.

Who needs help treating warts on their fingers?

Warts on the fingers can cause a lot of inconvenience and pain. If you find warts on your fingers, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.

If finger warts are caused by a viral infection, your doctor may recommend an antiviral course of treatment.

In addition, depending on the degree of development of the disease, surgical methods can be used to remove warts on the fingers. Also, an effective method of treatment is cryotherapy, in which the wart is eliminated with the help of liquid nitrogen.

So, if you find warts on your fingers, you should not self-medicate. Consult an experienced dermatologist who will select the most effective treatment method.

How to prevent warts on your fingers in the future

Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after contact with people, public places and pets. Also remember to clean surfaces that your hands come in contact with, such as a computer keyboard or mobile phone.

Avoid contact with other people’s warts. If you know that someone has warts, try to avoid contact with these places on the body. Do not use shared items such as towels, clothes, shoes, and manicure and pedicure tools.

Strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system will help your body deal with viruses that cause warts. To strengthen your immune system, follow a healthy lifestyle: eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, avoid stress and nicotine.

Do not touch warts on your fingers. If you have warts, do not touch them with your hands. This can lead to the spread of the virus to other parts of the body and transmission to other people. If you must come into contact with the wart, use gloves and keep it away from healthy skin.

How to strengthen immunity and get rid of a wart on your finger permanently

Keep a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a healthy diet help to strengthen the immune system, which helps fight warts. A healthy lifestyle can also help prevent new warts from appearing on your fingers.

Use natural remedies. Some natural remedies, such as garlic, aloe vera, and essential oils, can help boost the immune system and protect the skin from warts. Use such products in baths, masks and hand creams.

Consult a doctor. If the wart on your finger does not go away after a few weeks of home treatment, see a dermatologist. In some cases, professional treatment such as cryotherapy, laser removal, or chemical treatments may be required.

Avoid contamination. Warts are often spread through contact with infected objects. Avoid touching with shared objects such as hygiene items, doorknobs, and phones, and wash your hands regularly to prevent warts on your fingers and other parts of your body from becoming infected.

Do not cut out warts. Cutting out a wart can lead to infection and new warts. Use safe and effective treatments such as ointments and medications to get rid of your finger wart.

Follow treatment instructions. Treating warts on the fingers requires patience and consistency. Follow the treatment instructions to be successful.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What causes a wart on the finger?

Warts on the fingers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted by contact with affected skin. The risk of infection increases when visiting public places, such as swimming pools, saunas, gyms.

What are the treatments for finger warts?

There are several ways to treat a wart on a finger: remove it surgically, burn it with a laser, freeze it with liquid nitrogen, use ointments and creams. But it is important to remember that not all methods are equally effective for everyone.

How long does it take to treat a wart on a finger?

The duration of treatment for finger warts depends on the treatment chosen. Surgical removal may take a few minutes, but healing after surgery may take up to 2-3 weeks. Freezing, laser removal and application of ointments can also take several weeks.

Can finger warts come back after treatment?

Unfortunately warts can come back, especially if the immune system is weakened. To prevent recurrence, a healthy lifestyle should be ensured, including proper nutrition, healthy sleep and exercise.

What are the traditional treatments for warts on the fingers?

Traditional treatments for finger warts include the use of garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, castor oil and tea tree oil. However, do not forget that not all methods are equally effective and should not be used without consulting a doctor.

Can you treat a wart on your finger yourself?

Self-treatment of warts on the fingers is not recommended, especially if they are on the skin of the hands.