A plantar wart is a type of wart that shows up on the feet, generally on the soles or “plantar” region of the foot. Plantar warts may also develop on specific points of the feet that bear weight, such as the heels. Plantar warts are not a dangerous condition, and they are usually benign. The plantar wart develops from the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. People can get plantar warts through contact with others who have them. A lower immune system can raise your risks for getting plantar warts.
Dealing with Plantar Warts
Lots of patients with plantar warts just let these little skin growths disappear on their own over time. In other cases, patients may seek out medical help to get rid of plantar warts. If the plantar warts cause pain during walking or other activities, doctors may suggest some types of removal such as laser therapy or other surgical removal. There’s also the option of cryotherapy or freezing off the plantar warts. In addition, there are some “home remedies” that people can try for eliminating these common skin growths – one involves the use of duct tape to weaken the growths before removal.
Diagnosing Plantar Warts
If you have growths on the surfaces of your feet that are uncomfortable or painful, schedule a consultation with your family doctor. Medical professionals can figure out whether these growths are just plantar warts or are other conditions involving inflammation or infection. Ask about different risks and benefits of treatment for this non-threatening condition.
