When a plantar wart becomes visible on a child, the treatment depends on the severity of the wart. Plantar warts have been known to cause pain in children when they walk or run, especially if the child is involved with sports. Your podiatrist may need to inspect the area or remove interfering dead skin before the wart’s removal process begins. Additionally, warts can be removed with the help of medicines, laser therapy, cryosurgery or freezing surgery, as well as immunotherapy. While most warts will disappear on their own, parents should keep an eye on the size of the wart, monitor irritation of topical treatments, and should not try to remove the wart by cutting or burning the skin at home.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with plantar warts on your feet contact Dr. Sharon L. Pletcher of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
Treatment
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.