Warts

What is a wart?

Warts that occur on the feet are known as plantar warts. Signs and symptoms of these types of warts generally include a small lesion on the bottom or the foot. The lesion may feel rough and fleshy to the touch. Sometimes, calluses develop over warts. You may be able to spot very small black pinpoints, called wart seeds, which are really clotted blood vessels. Warts on the foot may cause pain, bleed, and make it difficult for you to walk or stand.

What causes plantar warts?

Warts are caused by a virus that thrives in environments where there are moisture and warmth. Children or adults may contract warts by walking on dirty surfaces without shoes or socks. The virus responsible for plantar warts is HPV, or human papillomavirus. There are dozens of types of HPV viruses. However, only a handful may cause plantar warts.

Everyone that comes into contact with this virus may not get warts. Some people’s immune systems are more resistant to certain viruses than others. Plantar warts aren’t as easily transmitted from skin-to-skin contact. Instead, people get them by exposing skin that is cracked, cut, or scraped to moist environments like the floor in a locker room.

Do I need treatment for plantar warts?

Plantar warts will typically dissolve on their own after a period of time. Still, you should see a doctor if the wart is particularly painful or if it changes in appearance. Other reasons to see a doctor for warts is if you have a weakened immune system, if you have diabetes, if you aren’t sure whether the lesion is a wart, and if the wart prevents you from engaging in daily living activities.

Warts may be removed by freezing them off, using laser or surgical techniques, or by administering special drugs that enhance the immune system. Even after treatment, warts can reappear.