Warts

What causes foot warts?

Plantar warts, more commonly known as foot warts, stem from a common viral infection known as human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus makes skin cells increase in size and thickness, which is why you experience the bulges and bumps associated with warts.

HPV enters your body when you have a weak spot in your skin. Even the tiniest cut can allow the virus to enter your body. Not everyone who comes into contact with HPV develops warts though. You have a higher chance of developing warts if you:

• Have a history of warts
• Have a weakened immune system
• Are younger — warts are common among children and teens

If left untreated, foot warts may cause pain and can even begin spreading to other areas of your body.

What is the treatment for foot warts?

The team at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle provide the latest and most advanced foot wart treatments, so you can recover from the outbreak as quickly as possible. Your wart treatment may include:

• Injections to destroy the wart virus
• Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts
• Prescription-strength topical salicylic acid/cantharone medications Click here for Acid Aftercare Instructions.
• Pulsed-dye laser treatments to close tiny blood vessels in warts

Sometimes, the best solution for getting rid of warts on your feet is through minor surgery. This in-office procedure involves numbing the area around your warts and using an electric needle to cut them away. This type of treatment can lead to scarring though, so your podiatrist is likely only going to offer it if other solutions aren’t working for you.

Can I prevent foot warts?

You might not be able to prevent every case of foot warts, but you can take several measures to dramatically lower your risk. For instance, the wart-causing HPV virus thrives in warm, dark, moist environments — think gym locker room or pool deck. Anytime you’re in communal areas, make sure you wear shoes or flip-flops. You can also prevent foot warts by:

• Avoiding sharing socks or shoes with other persons
• Keeping your feet dry
• Washing your feet regularly

The podiatry team at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle counsels you on how to properly care for your feet, so you can prevent future wart issues.

Before your foot warts get any worse, schedule an evaluation at Neuhaus Foot & Ankle. Click on the online booking feature or call any of the clinic locations directly.