Plantar Warts: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention – Your Local Podiatrist in Lakewood, CO

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Plantar warts are a common and often painful foot condition that can affect anyone, from children to adults. If you're dealing with warts on your feet, it's essential to seek professional care to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and to help prevent recurrence. At our Lakewood, CO podiatry practice, we specialize in diagnosing and treating plantar warts to provide relief and restore foot health. In this blog, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for plantar warts, along with tips for prevention. If you're struggling with plantar warts, make an appointment with our expert Denver podiatrists today.

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts, also known as verrucae, are benign growths that develop on the soles of the feet, typically on weight-bearing areas such as the heels or balls of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions. Unlike common warts, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure exerted on the feet while walking or standing, which can make them particularly painful and difficult to treat without professional help.

Causes of Plantar Warts

The primary cause of plantar warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which thrives in warm, moist environments. This makes public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers common sources of infection. Here are some key factors that can increase the risk of developing plantar warts:

1. Walking Barefoot: Frequently walking barefoot in public places increases the likelihood of HPV exposure.
2. Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to viral infections, including plantar warts.
3. Direct Contact: Direct contact with a surface or object contaminated with the virus can lead to the development of plantar warts.
4. Foot Injuries: Small cuts, abrasions, or other injuries to the feet can provide an entry point for the virus.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts can vary in appearance and size, but common symptoms include:

• Small, rough, and grainy growths on the soles of the feet
• Hard, thickened skin over a well-defined spot (the wart)
• Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
• Tiny black dots (often called "wart seeds"), which are actually small, clotted blood vessels

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a podiatrist in Lakewood, CO to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Warts

Diagnosing plantar warts involves a physical examination by one of our board certified podiatrists. In some rare cases, a small sample of the wart may be taken for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of HPV.

Treatments for plantar warts include:

1. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength topical treatments containing salicylic acid can help treat the wart over time. Your Lakewood podiatrist can recommend the most effective options.
2. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off as the skin heals. Cryotherapy is often performed in multiple sessions to ensure complete removal.
3. Cantharidin: is a powerful blistering agent derived from the blister beetle. It is commonly used in dermatology for the treatment of warts, including plantar warts. When applied to a wart, cantharidin causes the formation of a blister beneath the wart, which lifts the wart away from the skin. This process typically takes about a week, after which the treated area can be cleaned and the dead wart tissue removed. 
4. Immune Therapy: For resistant warts, immune therapy may be recommended to stimulate the body's immune system to fight off the HPV infection.
5. Surgical Removal: In severe cases, surgical excision may be necessary to remove the wart. This procedure is usually reserved for warts that do not respond to other treatments.

Common Questions About Plantar Warts

Will a plantar wart go away on its own?

Plantar warts can sometimes go away on their own, especially in children, as their immune systems can fight off the virus. However, this process can take months or even years. In adults, plantar warts are less likely to resolve without treatment. Seeking professional care from a Denver podiatrist can help expedite the healing process and prevent the spread of warts.

When does a plantar wart turn black?

A plantar wart may turn black as it begins to heal. The black dots often seen in warts are small clotted blood vessels. As the wart is treated and starts to die, these vessels can become more prominent, causing the wart to darken.

What does a plantar wart look like when dying?

When a plantar wart is dying, it may shrink in size, become less painful, and change color. It might turn black or brown as the tissue breaks down and the body works to eliminate the virus. You may also notice the skin around the wart becoming dry and peeling.

How do plantar warts spread?

Plantar warts spread through direct contact with the HPV virus. This can happen by touching a wart and then touching another part of the body or through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces like floors in communal showers or swimming pools. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making these places common sources of infection.

Are plantar warts contagious?

Yes, plantar warts are contagious. The HPV virus can be spread through direct contact with the wart or by touching surfaces that have been in contact with the wart. To prevent the spread, avoid walking barefoot in public areas, do not share personal items, and keep the affected area clean and covered.

Prevention Tips for Plantar Warts

Preventing plantar warts involves minimizing exposure to HPV and maintaining good foot hygiene. Here are some practical tips to help reduce your risk:

1. Wear Foot Protection: Always wear sandals or flip-flops in public places such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers.
2. Keep Feet Clean and Dry: Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly to prevent a moist environment where HPV can thrive.
3. Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, shoes, or socks with others to prevent the spread of the virus.
4. Check Your Feet Regularly: Regularly inspect your feet for any signs of warts or other abnormalities, and seek prompt treatment if needed.
5. Boost Your Immune System: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support your immune system's ability to fight off infections.

Why Choose Our Podiatry Practice in Lakewood, CO?

At our Lakewood, CO podiatry practice, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for all your foot health needs. Our experienced double Board-Certified podiatrists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of plantar warts, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to ensure effective and lasting results. Here's why you should choose us:

1. Expertise and Experience: Our team of podiatrists has extensive experience in treating plantar warts and other foot conditions, ensuring you receive the highest quality care.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans: We develop individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring optimal outcomes.
3. State-of-the-Art Facility: Our clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment tools to provide the best possible care.
4. Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize patient education and communication, empowering you to make informed decisions about your foot health.

Convenient Location: Our Lakewood, CO office is easily accessible, making it convenient for you to receive the care you need.