How to remove plantar warts - foot warts removal
- chihchiangnieh
- Dec 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Have you ever noticed small painful bumps appearing at the bottom of your feet? If you do then it might be foot warts!
What are foot warts?
Foot Warts known more commonly as plantar warts are rough and small growths that commonly appear at the bottom of your foot, often causing pain and discomfort to the victim.
Causes for foot warts
Foot warts are commonly caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus. The virus enters the feet through the tiny cuts, and cracks on the skin which in turn causes the infection.
The virus could also infect you through the use of communal areas such as pools, gyms, or showers. This is because the virus is often spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or touching contaminated surfaces.
It is also important to note that the infection can occur at any part of the foot but the most common places are found on pressure points, such as the heel or the ball of the foot.
If you feel like this might be the case, try to get a podiatrist/foot specialist to check on your foot infection.
Are foot warts contagious?
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) virus is contagious. As mentioned, the virus can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or touching contaminated surfaces.
Key Characteristics/Symtoms of Foot Warts
Appearance
They look like small round white bumps, in some cases, they would have black pinpoints due to clotted blood vessels (Could also be called wart seeds)
Pain and discomfort
Foot warts are often painful especially when walking or standing.
Clusters
Warts may grow individually however in some cases, the warts exist in clusters.
Discoloration
When the warts start to grow, it will cause the affected skin area to be discolored. (often found yellow, brown and more)
Dangers of Untreated Foot Warts
If you have been diagnosed with a foot wart infection, it is crucial to begin treatment as quickly as possible.
Among the threats of leaving foot wart infection untreated are :
Increased Pain and Discomfort
Plantar warts often appear on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot. Over time, they can become painful, especially when walking or standing.
This may force changes in how you walk, leading to strain on other parts of the body, such as the knees or back.
Spreading
If left untreated, the wart can grow larger or spread to other parts of the foot, forming clusters called mosaic warts.
The virus that causes plantar warts (HPV) can also spread to other parts of your body or to other people, especially in communal areas like showers or swimming pools.
Risk of Secondary Infection
Scratching, picking, or attempting to remove a wart improperly can break the skin, increasing the risk of bacterial infections.
Infected warts may become red, swollen, and painful, potentially requiring more extensive treatment.
Addressing plantar warts early can help avoid these complications, reduce pain, and prevent them from spreading further.
How do I know If I have footwarts?
While you can assess whether you might have foot warts based on the symptoms above, it is advisable to have them examined by a medical professional.
Visiting a clinic for an accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid the risks of self-misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
How to remove plantar warts - treatments
DIY Home methods
Salicylic Acid Method - make use of salicyclic acid to soften the skin and peel off the layers of wart off the skin.
Duct Tape Method - Unorthodox but another working home method is to use duct tape to remove the wart. Cover the wart with duct tape for several days, then remove it, soak the wart, and gently file it with a pumice stone.Here is a video example of this method - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IIZbCfruajs
Medicated healing pads - Some companies would produce healing pads that have salicyclic acid that promote foot wart removal.
Medical Professional Treatments
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
A dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing the tissue to die and fall off. This may require multiple sessions.
Cantharidin
This method is the method of using a blistering agent. The agent is applied to the wart by a doctor and the blister lifts the wart from the skin, allowing it to be removed.
Laser Treatment
A high-intensity laser destroys the wart tissue. This is often used for stubborn or recurring warts.
Surgical Removal
In cases of severe or unresponsive warts, minor surgery can be performed to cut or scrape away the wart.
Preventing Foot Warts
While foot warts can be treated, prevention is always better than a cure. Here are some preventive measures to avoid getting in contact with foot warts.
Avoid walking barefoot
Foot warts are commonly caused by getting in contact with the virus. Hence the best way to prevent this is to always wear some sort of foot wear when walking around in warm, moist environments like communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.
Keep your feet clean and dry
Damp skin is easier to be infected by the virus because it softens up the skin. Hence the best way to avoid foot wart is to always clean your feet and always keep them dry.
Do Not Share Personal Items Like Shoes or Towels
The virus can be spread from items contaminated with it. Avoid sharing personal items such as footwear or towels.
It is good practice to always wash and sanitize personal items regularly, especially if you’ve been in public spaces.
General FAQ Regarding Foot warts
Can foot warts go away on their own?
Yes, foot warts can sometimes disappear on their own. This is because your immune system fights off the HPV virus causing it to naturally disappear overtime.
However, this can take a long time, and for some people, they may remain or even worsen. Treatment is often recommended to speed up the process and relieve discomfort.
How long does it take to remove a foot wart with treatment?
The duration of treatment depends on the method used and the size of the wart. Home treatments like salicylic acid may take weeks to show results.
Medical treatments like cryotherapy or laser therapy may take one or two sessions, but some cases may require multiple treatments for complete removal.
Is it safe to remove a foot wart at home?
While some people find success with home remedies like salicylic acid or the duct tape method, it’s important to proceed with caution.
Incorrect removal methods could lead to skin damage or infection. It best to consult with a medical professional to get proper diagnostics
Can foot warts come back after treatment?
Yes, this is more common if the HPV virus is still left in the skin. Even after successful treatment, it's important to continue preventative measures to avoid re-infection and spreading the virus.
Are foot warts dangerous?
Foot warts are typically not dangerous, but they can cause pain and discomfort, especially in weight-bearing areas of the foot. If left untreated, they may spread or lead to secondary infections, which can complicate the issue. Early treatment can help prevent complications.
If you are in need of medical diagnostics or treatment to your foot, consider visiting our podiatry service.
Founder & CEO Alpaca Health
MBBS (Singapore) , MRCS (Ireland) , MPHMMED Surgery (Singapore) , GDFM (Singapore)
Website : https://www.alpacahealth.sg/
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