Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Small cuts or abrasions on the feet can make it easier for the virus to enter the skin. The warts usually develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot, like the soles�this can make walking painful or uncomfortable. Symptoms of a plantar wart can be a hard growth with a grainy and rough surface, as well as tenderness or a possible burning sensation.
There are plenty of treatments that can easily take care of a plantar wart. Often, all you need is an over-the-counter topical solution that contains salicylic acid. In other cases, you might need a treatment like cryotherapy, a professional method of treatment during which the wart will be frozen.
If you don�t act to treat your wart, you could set yourself up for future complications, including infections or additional warts. Early personal care and regular foot care (keeping your feet clean and dry) can stop problems before they happen and help you enjoy the relief of ongoing foot comfort.
How Do Plantar Warts Occur?
Plantar warts are the effects of benign growths on the soles of the feet due to the human papillomavirus (HPV) and particularly impact children and those with weakened immune systems. The virus itself is highly contagious and thrives in warm, moist environments�you will find it in many public places that you are probably visiting! The soles of our feet (particularly if we�ve been walking around barefoot in places like swimming pools and locker rooms) are therefore very likely to be vulnerable to the virus, which can enter the skin through even the smallest cut or scrape. Many of us kids will not yet have developed immune systems that are potent enough to effectively destroy the virus, which means it can begin to grow and multiply.
Symptoms of Plantar Warts
Plantar warts, due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), mostly occur on the bottom (plantar side) of our feet. These can cause excruciating splinter-like pain when walking or standing. The reason is that the warts grow inward due to pressure. This leads to a feeling like you have a small rock under your foot pad.
It often becomes essential to differentiate your plantar warts from common corns or calluses. Ordinary corns or calluses represent unusually thick skin layers. These layers usually form secondary to friction. In comparison to this, plantar warts usually feature a rough and grainy characteristic. Here, the surface possesses tiny dark spots (infrequently). These dark dots are small, clotted blood vessels. This makes a vital sign to get timely therapy and advice before the pain becomes too much to handle. Unattended and underestimated signs continuously lead towards excess pain areas.
Prevention Tips for Plantar Warts
Good foot hygiene starts with simple washing. Plantar warts are caused by a virus. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of that virus. When you have plantar warts, keep your feet clean and dry to reduce moisture and bacteria:
- Wash your feet daily, making sure to dry them thoroughly.
- Trim your toenails to make sure that the wart is not hiding in small cuts or skin abrasions.