Plantar Wart Specialist

What causes plantar warts?

Plantar warts, the medical term for foot warts, develop from contact with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV affects the outermost layer of your skin and can impact you through tiny cuts, breaks, and other weak spots in your skin. The virus usually lives in warm, dark, damp shared areas, which is why many people catch it in a locker room or public pool.

It’s possible to come into contact with HPV without developing plantar warts. Your body’s immune system often fights off the virus before warts have the chance to grow. You’re more likely to end up with plantar warts if:

• You have a weakened immune system from a medical condition or take immunosuppressant medication
• You’ve had plantar warts in the past
• You’re young — children and teenagers have a higher risk

Plantar warts are rarely a serious medical concern, and many cases clear up on their own within a few days without causing significant or even noticeable symptoms. However, they can be persistent and painful. If you’re bothered by warts or any other growths on your feet, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bocian as soon as possible.

What are the signs and symptoms of plantar warts?

Plantar warts appear as small, rough, grainy growths on the bottom of your feet. They usually appear in areas of your feet that bear weight, especially your heels, the base of your toes, and your forefoot. They’re about the same color as the rest of your skin but are usually flecked with tiny black spots, which are small, clotted blood vessels.

Plantar warts may begin to cause pain and tenderness as you continue to walk or stand on them. The warts may begin to grow inward, and you may develop a callus over the wart.

Not all plantar warts require treatment. Often, warts don’t cause significant discomfort and improve within a few days. However, if your warts are bleeding, multiplying, or interfering with your daily activities, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bocian.

It’s also especially important to get treatment for warts if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, as these factors put you at risk for infection and other complications.

How are plantar warts treated?

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bocian if your plantar warts are painful or haven’t improved in a few days with at-home care. He may recommend prescription-strength topical treatments with salicylic acid or Cantharone® that cause the warts to gradually fall off. He may also suggest wearing specialized pads to cover your warts so you don’t aggravate them when you walk or stand.

To treat plantar warts, Dr. Bocian is proud to offer the state-of-the-art Candela GentleMax Pro laser system, which destroys wart tissue using intense beams of light. Laser treatment is effective for warts that don’t respond to other forms of treatment.

Schedule an appointment at Darin A. Bocian, DPM, online or over the phone today.