Warts
Most foot warts are harmless, even though they may be painful. They are
often mistaken for corns or calluses, which are layers of dead skin that
build up to protect an area which is being continuously irritated. A wart,
however, is caused by a viral infection which invades the skin through
small or invisible cuts and abrasions. Foot warts are generally raised
and fleshy and can appear anywhere on the foot or toes. Occasionally,
warts can spontaneously disappear after a short time, and then, just as
frequently, they recur in the same location. If left untreated, warts
can grow to an inch or more in circumference and can spread into clusters
of warts. Children, especially teenagers, tend to be more susceptible
to warts than adults.
Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, appear on the soles of the feet
and are one of several soft tissue conditions that can be quite painful.
Unlike other foot warts, plantar warts tend to be hard and flat, with
a rough surface and well-defined boundaries. They are often gray or brown
(but the color may vary), with a center that appears as one or more pinpoints
of black. Plantar warts are often contracted by walking barefoot on dirty
surfaces or littered ground. The virus that causes plantar warts thrives
in warm, moist environments, making infection a common occurrence in public
pools and locker rooms.
Like any other infectious lesion, plantar warts are spread by touching,
scratching, or even by contact with skin shed from another wart. The wart
may also bleed, another route for spreading. Plantar warts that develop
on the weight-bearing areas of the foot (the ball or heel of the foot)
can cause a sharp, burning pain. Pain occurs when weight is brought to
bear directly on the wart, although pressure on the side of a wart can
create equally intense pain.
To prevent the spread of warts, follow these tips:
- Avoid direct contact with warts, both from other persons or from other parts of the body.
- Avoid walking barefoot, except on sandy beaches.
- Change your shoes and socks daily.
- Check your children's feet periodically.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
Laser Treatment
MarinHealth Podiatric Sports Medicine offers laser therapy as a treatment for warts, as well as for fungal nails and scars. The light used in laser therapy heats up and destroys the tiny blood vessels inside the wart. With lack of blood, the wart can’t survive and falls off. Heat from the laser may also target the underlying virus that causes the wart.
It is important to note that warts can be very resistant to treatment and have a tendency to reoccur. Over-the-counter foot wart treatments are usually ineffective because their use can inadvertently destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Please contact our office for help in effectively treating warts. Our practice is expert in recommending the best treatment for each patient, ranging from prescription ointments or medications to, in the most severe cases, laser cautery.