Plantar warts are growths that appear on the ball or heel of the foot. Because these areas of the foot receive the most pressure, the warts grow inward and often are covered by a callus on the skin’s surface.

Plantar warts are caused by a virus that enters the body through a cut or weak area in the skin on the bottom of the feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious and can be picked up by walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms and swimming pools. Children and teenagers are especially susceptible to plantar warts as are those with weakened immune systems.

Plantar Warts Symptoms and Treatment

You may observe a small, grainy growth on the sole of the foot. Often plantar warts cause tenderness or pain while bearing weight. A callus may have grown over the spot where the wart grew inward.

Many warts go away by themselves although it may take a year or two. Home remedies and non-prescription treatments are usually not effective, as often the plantar wart will return. If the wart persists and is painful, contact Your Next Step for help. We will recommend:

• Salicylic acid treatments to peel away the wart a little bit at a time. These prescription medications work well when combined with cryotherapy or freezing.
• Cryotherapy or freezing where we apply liquid nitrogen directly to the wart. The area will be numbed first to ease any pain you may feel. The dead tissue should come off within a couple of weeks. Multiple treatments may be necessary.
• Surgical removal of the wart.
• Laser treatment to burn and close off the blood vessels, causing the tissue to die.

Reduce Your Risk of Plantar Warts

• Wear sandals or flip-flops in public areas like locker rooms, showers and pools.
• Don’t touch your own warts.
• Keep feet clean and dry and change socks and shoes every day.
• If you have warts, don’t use the same foot care utensils and products on them as on your healthy nails and skin.
• Use a disposable emery board.

Call Us If You Have Plantar Warts

Contact Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, board certified and qualified podiatrists for help with plantar warts. We will examine your feet and recommend the best treatment for you. We have offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli and Downingtown and you can find contact information on our website. Relieve your discomfort from plantar warts and stop them from spreading by calling us today.