Footnotes / Blog
What is a Plantar Wart?
A plantar wart is a noncancerous skin growth that occurs on the bottom of the foot, typically caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. The infection is specifically caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to the development of these warts.
Symptoms of a Plantar Wart
Plantar warts may appear individually or in clusters, known as mosaic plantar warts. They are typically characterized by:
- Callus-like overgrowth: The wart is often covered by thickened skin, resulting from the pressure of walking.
- Flat appearance: Due to the pressure from walking, the wart tends to be flat rather than raised.
- Black pinpoint dots: These are small blood vessels within the wart, often visible at the surface.
- Pain: Plantar warts can be painful, especially when weight is applied to the affected area, such as when standing or walking.
Over time, the wart may spread or grow larger, leading to increased discomfort.
Diagnosis of a Plantar Wart
A clinical diagnosis is typically made during an office visit. A podiatrist will examine the wart and may shave down any overlying callus to check for the characteristic black dots, which indicate the presence of a plantar wart. This helps differentiate it from other foot conditions, such as a simple callus.
Treatment Options for Plantar Warts
Plantar warts can be stubborn and may require multiple treatments to fully resolve. Here are some common options:
- Chemical Treatment: A podiatrist may apply Cantharidin, a chemical that causes blistering of the skin. This method allows the wart to peel away from the surrounding skin. It is painless during application and often very effective when combined with at-home treatments like over-the-counter wart removers.
- Freezing (Cryotherapy): In this method, liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent is applied to the wart, causing it to freeze and form a blister. Over time, the wart will peel off. This procedure can be painful and may require a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated.
- Curettage/Surgery: For more stubborn warts, surgical removal may be necessary. A podiatrist uses a surgical blade to remove the wart and surrounding tissue. A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area before the procedure. Although effective, this method leaves a wound that needs to heal, and may result in a scar on the bottom of the foot.
Prevention and When to Seek Help
While plantar warts can often be treated with over-the-counter products, they can sometimes be persistent. If you have tried self-treatment without success, it’s time to visit a licensed podiatrist. At Innovative Foot & Ankle, our specialists can help with more advanced treatments to remove plantar warts effectively. We have four convenient locations in Essex County, Union County, Bergen County, and Hudson County in New Jersey.