A Guide to Getting Rid of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts can appear on anyone’s skin when viruses find the tiniest cut or break on the foot. These growths are noncancerous, yet they can cause discomfort, especially when standing or walking, and can be an aesthetic concern. 

At Nunnally Dermatology in Baton Rouge, LA, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of plantar warts, and we make sure our patients receive the necessary information and assistance to manage and eliminate these skin growths. Through a combination of expertise and advanced treatment options, we guide those affected by plantar warts toward effective solutions.

What Is a Plantar Wart?

A plantar wart is a specific type of growth that emerges on the soles of feet, a direct result of the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. These warts are distinguished by their location on the foot, often developing within pressure points like the heels or balls of the feet. Unlike other warts, plantar warts grow inward, sometimes causing pain akin to stepping on a pebble.

Why Do Plantar Warts Form?

Plantar warts originate from certain strains of the HPV virus, which thrive in certain environments, and they easily infect the skin through cuts or breaks. Not all HPV strains cause plantar warts; only specific subtypes are known to affect the foot’s skin. The body’s response to this viral invasion manifests as the wart, a protective measure that sometimes backfires by causing discomfort or pain.

What Causes Plantar Warts?

• Direct HPV Exposure: The primary trigger for a plantar wart is direct contact with HPV. This virus can be picked up in communal areas where barefoot traffic is common, such as locker rooms and poolsides, leading to infection when it enters through small abrasions in the skin.
• Moist Environments: HPV particularly thrives in damp and warm settings, creating ideal conditions for the virus to spread. People who spend a lot of time in such environments are at a higher risk of developing plantar warts, as the moisture helps the virus to maintain its infectious nature.
• Skin Damage: Any minor skin damage or imperfection provides an entry point for HPV, facilitating the development of plantar warts. Activities that stress the feet or cause skin breaks, like intense walking or running, can inadvertently increase the susceptibility to wart formation.

Who Is Most Likely to Get Plantar Warts?

While anyone can develop plantar warts, certain individuals are more prone to them. Young people, particularly those in their teens or adolescence, frequently encounter these warts due to their active lifestyles and increased exposure to communal areas such as pools and locker rooms. Individuals with compromised immune systems also face a higher risk, as their bodies may struggle more to fend off the HPV strains responsible for plantar warts. Lastly, those who have had plantar warts previously might see them reappear, suggesting a personal susceptibility to the virus.

Identifying Plantar Warts

• Appearance: A plantar wart typically looks like a small, rough growth on the sole of the foot, often featuring a central black dot, which is clotted blood vessels and not a “seed” as often misconceived. The surface may be hard and flat or slightly raised, and its texture can vary from smooth to bumpy.
• Common Locations: These warts are most commonly found on pressure points of the feet, such as the heels or balls. The location can influence the wart’s appearance, making it appear more flattened due to the weight and pressure exerted during walking or standing.
• Symptoms: Beyond their distinct appearance, plantar warts can cause discomfort or pain, especially when pressure is applied. Some describe it as feeling like stepping on a little rock. They might also lead to changes in gait or posture in an effort to relieve pressure on the affected area.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider. In some cases, particularly when the growth’s nature is uncertain, a biopsy might be conducted to rule out other types of skin growths and confirm it as a plantar wart.
• Differentiation: Distinguishing plantar warts from other types of foot growths, such as corns or calluses, is crucial for appropriate treatment. Unlike warts, corns and calluses usually have a uniform thickness and do not contain the characteristic black dots seen in plantar warts.

How to Prevent Plantar Warts

Preventing plantar warts begins with minimizing direct contact with HPV. Wearing footwear in communal areas, such as showers, locker rooms, and around pools, can reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining good foot hygiene, keeping feet dry, and avoiding the use of shared towels or shoes are also effective strategies. For those with cuts or abrasions on their feet, covering them with waterproof bandages when in high-risk areas can provide an additional layer of protection against the virus responsible for plantar warts.

How Can I Get Rid of a Plantar Wart?

Freezing Methods

Freezing methods, or cryotherapy, are a common approach for removing a plantar wart. This treatment involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart, causing it to freeze and eventually fall off. The process might require multiple sessions, depending on the wart’s size and depth. While effective, some patients may experience discomfort during the treatment.

Excision

Plantar wart removal can also be achieved through surgical excision. This method involves a healthcare professional cutting out the wart under local anesthesia. It’s a more direct approach for plantar wart treatment and is typically considered when other methods have failed. Recovery time and care post-procedure are important considerations for this option.

Immunotherapy Solutions

Immunotherapy solutions offer an innovative approach to plantar wart removal by stimulating the body’s immune system to attack the wart. This method may involve the application of topical solutions that target the wart directly. Although it may require several treatments, immunotherapy is gaining attention for its effectiveness in treating warts that have been resistant to other treatments.

Plantar Wart Removal Solutions in Baton Rouge

Managing a plantar wart effectively requires understanding the options available and choosing the right treatment strategy. At Nunnally Dermatology, located in Baton Rouge, LA, we provide comprehensive solutions on how to remove a plantar wart, blending expertise with advanced treatments to address your concerns. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please reach out through our online form or call us directly at (225) 769-3376.