Podiatry Treatment For Warts in Sutherland
Warts (Verrucae Pedis)
Plantar warts are a common occurrence, especially in children and individuals with weaken immune systems. These warts are named based on their location on the body with plantar warts occurring on the bottom of the foot (the plantar surface).
What are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are lesions that grow within the skin on the soles of the feet, these lesions are non-cancerous and do not present any serious health concerns, with many plantar warts requiring no treatment.
Plantar warts can cause little to no pain to severe pain and irritation. Plantar warts that occur on weight bearing surfaces of the foot, can create areas of increased pressure. This can lead to the development of a thick layer of skin over and around the wart which further contributes to the pressure and therefore discomfort you may experience.
What causes Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is a common virus that causes warts on the hands and the feet. This virus is transmitted from person to person by open cuts and breaks to the protective barrier that is the skin. The spread of the virus commonly occurs by walking barefoot in communal areas such as swimming pools, shared showers and change rooms.
What are the signs and symptoms of Plantar Warts?
Most plantar warts present as a small lump on the bottom of the foot, however some warts can grow larger and in clusters.
On closer inspection, plantar warts can present as a cauliflower like appearance with tiny black dots scattered throughout the wart, these black dots represent tiny blood vessels that have grown within the wart.
Plantar warts are commonly confused with corns (centralised mass of hard skin) due to their location on the foot and visual presentation, but below are a few of the simple differences between the two:
- A plantar wart is painful when squeezed
- A corn is painful when pushed with direct pressure
- A plantar wart can occur at any location on the foot
- A corn occurs at areas of high pressures, these areas typically include between the toes and balls of the foot.
- A plantar wart typical presents with small black dots within the wart with skin lines going around the wart
- A corn presents with skin lines going over the presenting lump
| Plantar Wart
|
Corn |
What are the treatment options for plantar warts?
The treatment of plantar warts involves destruction of the infected area. Treatment of Plantar warts can include a variety of options that are used dependant on the size, location and age of the individual. Some examples of possible treatments include:
- Cryotherapy or freezing
- Chemical, acids
- Cautery or burning
- Surgical removal
- SWIFT Treatment
Consultation our friendly podiatrists will allow you to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you.