An estimated 12% of people worldwide have experienced plantar warts, which also affects about 10-20% of school-aged children at any given period. The condition can easily be contracted due to its nature of being spread by direct or indirect contact. While the condition can be difficult to treat, most plantars warts do disappear over time. Home treatment for plantar warts often involved salicylic acid, which removes the top layers of the wart. Some podiatrists may prescribe cryotherapy to remove more stubborn warts by freezing and destroying wart tissue.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, see Dr. Steven Schwartz from Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your feet in addition to other podiatric-related 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

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

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 and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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