Plantar warts are warts that commonly occur on the plantar surface of the foot, which is the sole. Plantar warts are usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a DNA virus that is classified into more than 100 types, many of which are capable of infecting humans. The most common types of HPV that cause plantar warts are HPV types 1, 2, 4, 60, and 63. Plantar warts are usually benign and asymptomatic, but they can be painful and may cause cosmetic concerns. Treatment of plantar warts is often challenging and may require multiple modalities.
Are plantar warts contagious by touch?
Plantar warts are warts that grow on the soles of your feet. They’re usually small, round, and have a rough surface.
You can get plantar warts by walking barefoot in public places, such as locker rooms, showers, and pools. The virus that causes plantar warts can also be spread by touching a wart on someone else’s foot.
If you have a plantar wart, you may be able to spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people. To prevent spreading the virus, don’t pick at your wart, and don’t touch other people’s warts.
Symptoms of plantar warts
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is contagious and can be spread by direct contact with an infected person or by contact with an object that has been in contact with the virus, such as a towel or floor. The virus enters the body through cuts or breaks in the skin on the bottom of the foot. Plantar warts are usually found on weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heel or ball of the foot. They can also occur on the toes.
Plantar warts usually cause a dull ache or pain when walking or standing. The pressure of walking or standing often causes the plantar wart to grow into the foot, which can make it painful. Plantar warts can also cause irritation, redness, and swelling. If plantar warts are left untreated, they can spread to other parts of the foot or to other people.
If you think you have a plantar wart, it is important to see your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Plantar warts can be mistaken for other conditions, such as corns, calluses, or moles. Treatment for plantar warts includes over-the-counter medicines, home remedies, and prescription medicines.
Treatment for plantar warts
Plantar warts are commonly treated with salicylic acid, which can be found in over-the-counter wart treatments. The acid works by causing the wart to peel away from the skin. This can be done at home by soaking the wart in warm water and then using a pumice stone or emery board to file away the dead skin. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent the wart from spreading. If the wart does not respond to home treatment, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication or recommend surgery to remove the wart.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a plantar wart?
There are a few things that you can do to get rid of a plantar wart. One is to try and remove it with a pumice stone or a callus file. This can be difficult and time-consuming, and it is not always successful. Another option is to use over-the-counter medications that contain salicylic acid. These treatments can be effective, but they can also cause skin irritation. If you have a plantar wart that is causing pain, you may want to see a doctor. They can prescribe a stronger medication or freeze the wart to remove it.