What are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are lesions which occur on the soles of the feet. They are generally well circumscribed lesions which can occur as singular or multiple lesions. Unlike corns which tend to look quite similar, warts have no skin lines running through them, are painful to squeeze and often have small black dots in their centre which represent the blood vessels within the wart tissue.

What causes Plantar Warts?

Warts are caused by a virus. There are many different types of wart viruses, some more resistant than others. The wart virus can be picked up in public showers, swimming centres and walking barefoot over infected areas. Warts tend to be very contagious so family members with warts should take care to prevent spread of the infection.

How to treat Plantar Warts?

  1. Boost the immune system just as you do to fight cold and flu viruses (i.e. Good diet and Vitamin/Mineral supplements may be advised)
  2. Chemical cautery (breakdown of the tissues with strong chemicals) to the warty lesions. Single warts usually require 6 to 8 treatments. Multiple warts may be more resistant and take longer to clear.
  3. Wart patches and various paints may be prescribed by your Podiatrist for use between podiatry consultations. Discontinue use if pain occurs.
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