Podiatrist Offices Conveniently Located In Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry & Montclair New Jersey

Innovative Foot & Ankle

Footnotes / Blog

Monday, August 9th, 2010 Sean Kaufman

What Are Plantar Warts?

“I think it may be a wart, Doc,” is a common phrase we hear from patients. Most of the time, they are correct. Plantar warts are among the most recognizable podiatric conditions.

Plantar warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), specifically HPV-1. This virus infects the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and is contagious. Many people contract it in communal areas like showers and pools, but infection can occur anywhere one walks barefoot.

How to Identify a Plantar Wart

Once HPV infects the skin cells, it often causes thickened calluses on the bottom of the foot. Unlike hand warts, which are raised, plantar warts are typically inverted and flat. Blood vessels often appear in the center of the wart, creating a characteristic “salt and pepper” appearance.

Here are two key ways to differentiate between a wart and a callus:

  • Squeezing Test: If squeezing the lesion side-to-side is more painful than applying direct pressure, it is likely a plantar wart.
  • Pinpoint Bleeding: Shaving the lesion may reveal pinpoint bleeding, another hallmark of plantar warts.

Treatment Options for Plantar Warts

There are numerous ways to treat plantar warts, from advanced techniques to simpler home remedies:

  • High-Tech Options: Laser therapy and cryotherapy
  • Surgical: Curettage and excision
  • Topical Treatments: Chemotherapy drugs like F-5U and strong acids
  • Alternative Remedies: Duct tape or marigold flower applications

At Innovative Foot & Ankle, we offer a range of treatment options, but we find the most success with Canthacur.

Why Canthacur Works

Canthacur’s active ingredient, Cantharidin, is derived from the blister beetle. This compound causes a blister upon skin contact, helping to destroy most of the virus in just 1-2 applications. While effective, patients often report localized pain 12 hours after application, which subsides by the next morning.

Advantages of Canthacur:

  • Fewer treatment sessions
  • Minimal patient compliance (no daily applications needed)
  • Higher success rates compared to common acids

Partnering with Innovative Foot & Ankle

Our team has been pleased with the effectiveness of Canthacur and highly recommends it to patients seeking reliable wart treatment. At Innovative Foot & Ankle, we tailor treatments to meet your needs, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Schedule a consultation today and let us help you put your best foot forward!

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