How Do You Get Plantar Warts and How to Treat and Prevent Them?

Plantar warts (verruca plantaris) are warts found on the bottom of the feet (the "plantar" region). Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), infection causes a buildup of the protein keratin, producing the characteristic wart.

They often appear as small, grainy growths with tiny black dots in the center. They may be flat or raised and can be surrounded by callused skin. They are contagious and can be spread through direct contact with someone who has them or by walking barefoot on surfaces contaminated with the virus.

Learning to avoid getting this virus is crucial because they are notoriously challenging to treat and eliminate once they are contracted.

What Causes Plantar Warts?

The HPV virus causes it, specifically types 1, 4, 57, 60, 63, 65, and 66 — according to a 2020 study. Moist, damp, warm environments are a prime breeding ground for HPV. Common infection sites include locker room floors and swimming pools. You can also contract the virus from sharing socks, towels, and other clothing. 

Given these locations, pediatric foot treatment is of utmost importance as children are the most susceptible to developing infections.

While HPV is associated with the sole of your foot, it can appear anywhere on the foot – including the underside of the toes or the heel. The wart will grow inwards during the infection, appearing like a callus. HPV can also cause warts in other body parts – the term “plantar” refers exclusively to the foot.

Identifying a Plantar Wart

They are relatively easy to identify. The primary symptoms involve pain or tenderness in the sole of the foot when applying pressure, e.g., walking or running. Symptoms will worsen over time as the wart develops.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, symptoms include:

• Thickened skin — It resembles a callus because of thick, tough tissue.

• Pain — Discomfort occurs when walking or standing. Squeezing the sides of the wart also elicits pain.

• Tiny black dots — Shiny black dots — capillaries containing dried blood — may appear on the wart's surface. These dots will become more prominent as the wart grows deep into the skin, becoming larger over time.

If you have diabetes or experience poor sensation in your feet, it is imperative to prioritize diabetic foot care and seek medical attention promptly.

How to Treat this Virus?

Plantar warts will resolve naturally in some cases. However, because of the pain they cause, people may seek help from their doctor or podiatrist or try home treatments.

Treatments typically include:

• Salicylic acid — Applying an ointment containing salicylic acid "burns" the wart off. It is applied directly to the wart and can take several weeks. This treatment is available over the counter (OTC) and can be applied for approximately 12 weeks. 

• Cryotherapy — Involving liquid nitrogen, cryotherapy "freezes" the wart. Like salicylic acid, it requires several treatments over weeks to work.

• Curettage — Cutting the wart out of the skin.

• Medication

• Laser therapy — Using a laser, a doctor or podiatrist burns off the blood vessel feeding the wart. 

Consistency is key to achieving the best results in plantar wart treatment. These warts can be highly resistant, and following the recommended therapy consistently is the only way to eliminate them effectively.

If you use a home treatment, but the wart returns, you should seek medical assistance. 

You should never remove a wart by yourself. Doing so could damage your foot or lead to infection. Curettage often requires a local anesthetic and a sterilized knife handled by a medical professional. If you have had the wart removed, you must keep your foot bandaged and avoid pressure for several days. 

Home remedies have variable effectiveness. These include rubbing essential oils into the wart or using cider vinegar. Unfortunately, most treatments lack sufficient evidence and may exacerbate the problem.

Preventing Plantar Wart Infection

Preventing this virus is much easier than treating the infection. Follow these simple tips:

• Cover your feet when walking in shared community spaces, like pools, locker rooms, or dorms.

• For those under 26 years old, ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. It's believed to prevent warts — further research is needed.

• Change your shoes and socks daily if you have a wart.

• Cover the wart, and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading it to others. 

Final Thoughts

If you're experiencing any foot skin problems, including plantar warts, don't wait to seek treatment. Contact Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists today to schedule an appointment and start your path to healthy feet. Remember, early intervention can help prevent more severe issues down the road. Take action now and prioritize your foot health.