Treatment for Plantar Warts

Treatment for Plantar Warts

We see lots of people of all ages for treatment of plantar warts. There are various options which we will discuss with you when developing a treatment plan.

What is a plantar wart

  • Plantar refers to the sole of your foot (it has nothing to do with gardening!)
  • Also known as verrucas or Verruca Pedis.
  • The wart is usually on the sole of your foot or between your toes
  • It may be painful due to a build-up of hard skin
  • They have a flat cauliflower like appearance
  • The normal skin pattern (like a fingerprint) is interrupted.

How do you get plantar warts

  • The wart is caused by a a benign type of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which thrives in warm moist environments
  • It’s not helped by the HPV vaccine which is for more aggressive strains of HPV related to cervical cancer.
  • It is usually picked up via a microscopic skin defect
  • They are often contracted through communal barefoot areas such as changing rooms and swimming pools
  • Plantar warts can also be passed on within households.

Home treatment for plantar warts

  • Avoid going barefoot
  • Remedies are available at your pharmacy
  • Use a pumice or foot file to reduce painful thick hard skin
  • Keep the wart covered with a waterproof dressing or tape
  • Make sure you are generally healthy with a strong immune system

What help can I get for plantar warts

  • We will remove any thick hard skin to give you immediate pain relief, and advise on treatment options
  • Treatment at Umina Podiatry may involve using chemicals or freezing to kill the virus causing the wart

When will plantar warts get better?

  • Most warts will go away on their own after about 2 years
  • Depending on the type of treatment you should expect an improvement in 6-8 weeks

 

 

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