According to the National Verruca Foundation (NVF), July is Wart Awareness Month since the summer months are when plantar warts are most likely to occur. All month long there has been community organizations have been working to create awareness of the existence of warts and how to prevent them. Many healthcare professionals recommend wearing flip flops when attending public showers, rest rooms, or pool decks to reduce the chances of contracting plantar warts.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with plantar warts on your feet contact Dr. Steven Schwartz, DPM of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

Treatment

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chambersburg and Mcconnellsburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about plantar warts.