Plantar Warts Treated in Alexandria

What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are small abnormal growths that occur on the soles of the feet, usually on your heels. Unlike warts on the rest of your skin, plantar warts grow in an inward direction, which is why they can be so uncomfortable.

While plantar warts are not a serious health concern, they can definitely cause irritation. They can also be unsightly, especially if they grow larger.

What causes plantar warts?

Like all warts, a virus causes plantar warts. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is incredibly common, and the strain that causes plantar warts transmits easily through tiny breaks in the skin on the bottom of your feet. However, you may not develop warts until months after you make contact with the virus.

Some plantar warts clear up on their own. In other cases, however, treatment is needed to remove the growth and eliminate discomfort.

What do plantar warts look like?

For many people, the first sign of a plantar wart is discomfort on the heel of the foot. You might also notice small bump-like growths that sometimes have a tiny black dot at the center.

Plantar warts can develop in clusters, or you might only have one. Some remain very small and do not cause noticeable symptoms, while others can grow into the skin of your foot and become painful. Your body might create calluses due to the pressure placed on the base of your feet.

What are the treatments for plantar warts?

Fortunately, there are treatments that can eliminate plantar warts. If your wart is painful, bleeds, or interferes with your normal activities, it’s important to visit Landmark Foot and Ankle Center for treatment. You should also seek care if you have diabetes or another medical condition that impacts your immune system.

A peeling medication like salicylic acid can remove layers of a plantar wart. This approach takes time, as it removes only a few layers of skin at a time.

Topical medications like bleomycin are a good option for plantar warts that persist or don’t respond to other removal efforts. Candida injections are yet another possibility and work by stimulating your body’s immune system to fight off the virus that caused the warts.

A minor surgical procedure can be a great way to address plantar warts that have grown deeper within the skin. This minimally invasive procedure occurs on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the same day and resume normal activities quickly. This approach displaces far less tissue than more invasive surgical techniques, which can mean faster healing and lower risk of infection.

To learn more about treatments for plantar warts, call Landmark Foot and Ankle Center to book a visit or schedule online.