Warts and their Prevention
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are small white or skin-coloured growths with black pin pricks in the centre. They are about the size of a pencil area that grow on the bottom of the foot usually on the heel, forefoot or the base of the toes. Multiple warts can grow together forming a cluster, known as mosaic warts.
Unlike other types of warts that grow outward, plantar warts tend to grow into the skin due to the pressure from walking and standing. This can cause them to be painful and feel like a small stone in the shoe.
How are they caused?
Plantar warts are a type of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and can form due to the virus already being present in the body, lowered immune system, and direct skin contact with the virus, occurring more easily if the skin is cut or has cracks. The virus prefers warm and wet places, such as swimming pools, communal showers, and gym and locker floors. Warts can take weeks or months to appear after the initial infection.
Warts can be more common in children due to their weaker immune systems, which may not identify the presence of the virus.
Wart Symptoms
The common symptoms of plantar warts are: tenderness or pain on the sole of the foot while standing or walking, and the presence of calloused skin over the wart.
There are several methods for treating plantar warts depending on the severity of the infection. A podiatrist may apply salicylic acid or nitric acid to the wart(s), laser therapy, or use Faulkner’s needling for severe mosaic infections. Alternatively, the wart(s) may need to be surgically removed.
Preventing warts
There are a number of easy ways to prevent plantar warts: always wear shoes and do not walk barefoot in public showers, pools and locker rooms; keep feet dry and clean, and dress all foot wounds to prevent contact with the virus.
It’s important for individuals that have plantar warts to consult a healthcare professional experienced in foot care (i.e., Podiatrist) for appropriate guidance and treatment.
