Warts can occur at any time and are very common in the feet. These fleshy bumps are caused by a virus, and are benign. However, they can be uncomfortable & stubborn to treat. Aldo Gonzalez, D.P.M. and Xavier Sanchez, D.P.M. offer safe, effective treatments to eliminate plantar warts at Ankle and Foot Center of Florida in Palm Beach Gardens. Request your appointment today by calling or clicking the online booking tool.
Wart Q & A
What are warts?
Warts are small, skin-colored growths that typically develop on the heels and balls of your feet. They usually have black specks in the middle and often form a callus. Due to there location, plantar warts may cause pain and discomfort with shoe gear and activity.
What causes warts?
A strain of the HPV virus causes warts. The virus infiltrates your skin through small cracks and cuts in your feet. There are over 100 different types of HPV, but only a few of them cause plantar warts.
Who is at risk of warts?
Warts are incredibly common, and HPV affects everyone’s immune system differently, but there are certain factors that increase your risk, including:
■ Being a child or teenager
■ Having a weakened immune system
■ Having a history of plantar warts
You’re also more likely to develop warts if you share personal hygiene products with others, or walk barefoot in public facilities like locker rooms.
How do I prevent warts?
To lower your risk of warts, your provider recommends:
■ Keeping your feet clean and dry
■ Avoiding direct contact with warts to avoid spreading
■ Avoiding walking barefoot
■ Avoiding picking or scratching at your warts
■ You should also avoid sharing foot-related hygiene products like toenail clippers, pumice stones, and emery boards.
How do you diagnose and treat warts?
Your provider diagnoses plantar warts by performing a thorough physical exam and review of your medical history. If necessary, Dr. Gonzalez or Dr. Sanchez can also take a small sample from your wart and send it to a laboratory for further testing.
If your warts are small and don’t bother you, over the counter treatments like salicylic acid can be attempted initially. However, self treatment should be discontinued if there is any skin irritation or change in appearance of the wart.
If your warts are interfering with your mobility, your provider may recommend treatment with salicylic acid, cryotherapy, ablation, electrocautery, &/or excision. These treatments are safe and effective. However, warts can be very stubborn & require a series of treatments to eradicate the wart.
If methods of at-home care aren’t effectively treating your warts, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Evaluation with Dr Gonzalez and Dr Sanchez to rule out other skin conditions may be indicated. Call or use the online booking tool and request your appointment at Ankle and Foot Center of Florida today.