Warts

Posted: June 1, 2016 2:30 pm

 

Plantar warts are common, especially in children.  These warts are named for where they appear on the body.  Plantar warts are located on the bottom of the foot.  Plantar warts are noncancerous skin growths, caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin.  The culprit is a strain of virus called human papillomavirus or HPV.

On average plantar warts are small, about the size of a pencil eraser.  But some warts grow bigger.  Sometimes plantar warts can grow in clusters; those are called mosaic warts.  They usually don’t stick up above the skin as much as warts on the hand, partly because of the pressure of walking and its flattening effect.

They spread from person to person through contact with a surface that has become infected, the virus lives in a warm, moist environment.  Preventative tips include:  avoid walking barefoot, and wear sandal or some kind of foot covering at pools and in locker rooms and other warm, moist communal areas where people go barefoot.  Warts enter the system through tiny cuts or abrasions in the skin that may  not even be visible to the naked eye.

We offer many products in our office for your convenience to treat and stop the spread of plantar warts, including:  a spray for your shoes and salicylic acid for at home treatment between visits.

During your visit you will experience a complete foot check that includes looking for skin melanomas which can occur due to sun exposure.  We offer same day scheduling for your convenience.  Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

 

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