Do you have pain on the bottom of your foot when walking barefoot? ![]()
During the warmer months plantar warts on the foot are common, even more noticable than before because we are walking around barefoot more often.
What causes plantar warts on my feet?
Plantar Warts (verrruca) on the bottom of the foot are caused by the human papilloma virus.
There are many different strains of the virus and, as a result there are many different types of warts. Warts on the foot can be round and raised or flat, big or small. The wart itself is not usually painful but can become painful when walking barefoot or when pressure is applied.
How do you get rid of plantar warts?
Our podiatrist's use a specially compounded medication to treat plantar warts. This medication is able to get rid of the lesion much faster than other over-the-counter wart treatments. Other options for plantar warts include surgical excision and or laser removal, which can both be costly and require more recovery time.
6 Ways to Prevent a Plantar Wart
1. Avoid walking barefoot, especially on damp surfaces such as the pool or gym shower.
2. Avoid direct contact with the wart. Always wash hands immediatly after contact.
3. Check your feet regularly. Don't ignore growths, lesions or changes in your skin. If you notice any changes, or have a concern contact your podiatrist for a check-up. An annual foot exam can also help prevent future foot problems.
4. Wash your feet daily. Bacteria, fungus and viruses are naturally present in our environment. Washing your feet once a day can help reduce your risk of nail fungus, athlete's foot and warts.
5. Keep feet clean and dry. Dark, damp places are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungus that can cause foot infections. Change your shoes and shocks once a day to allow the them to fully dry out.
6. Visit your podiatrist at the first sign. Don't ignore your foot problem.
If you are having a problem with a wart, or any other type of skin lesion on your foot, you should have it examined as soon as possible. Don’t make the diagnosis yourself as, in rare cases; some lesions look like warts could be a form of skin cancer.
Read More About Common Foot Problems On Our Blog.
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