How to Prevent and Get Rid of Plantar Warts

Walking shouldn't be painful, but when you have a small, stubborn growth known as a plantar wart on the bottom of your foot, every step can be agonizing. 

Plantar warts develop on the soles of your feet, especially on weight-bearing areas like your heels or the balls of your feet. Because of the constant pressure from walking, these warts tend to grow inward beneath a thick layer of hard skin, making them feel like you're stepping on a sharp pebble.

At the Podiatry Institute of Southern California, in Culver City, California, Albert A. Nejat, DPM, FACFAS, is an expert in treating these pesky growths. 

Here, he explains everything you need to know about plantar warts, including how to prevent and treat them.

What causes plantar warts?

Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection in the top layer of your skin. That virus is the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is highly contagious and thrives in warm, damp environments. 

You can easily pick it up by walking barefoot around public swimming pools, communal locker rooms, or gym showers. The virus enters your body through tiny cuts, scrapes, or weak spots on the bottom of your feet.

Who’s at greatest risk for developing plantar warts?

• Anyone can develop these foot growths, but certain groups have a higher risk. They are:
• Children and teenagers. They contract them frequently because their immune systems haven't yet built a strong defense against the virus. 
• People with weakened immune systems are also highly susceptible.
•  You're also at a higher risk if you've had plantar warts before, as the virus can linger or re-infect damaged skin tissue easily. 

While they aren't a severe medical hazard, they can be quite painful. The pain changes how you walk, which can eventually lead to discomfort in your legs and back.

How to avoid catching or spreading the virus

• Keep your feet clean and completely dry
• Change your socks daily, and choose materials that wick moisture away from your skin.
• Wear water shoes or sandals in public fitness spaces or pool areas, 
• Don’t share personal items like towels, socks, shoes, or nail clippers with anyone else.

If you already have a wart, don't scratch, pick, or cut at it. Touching the growth can spread the virus to other areas of your hands or feet. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your foot, and keep the affected area covered with a clean bandage to protect others in your household.

Your treatment options 

You can try over-the-counter peeling products containing salicylic acid, but they often fail to reach the deep layers of the skin where the virus lives.

 If your wart hurts, bleeds, changes color, or doesn't clear up with basic pharmacy products, seek expert podiatric care. 

Dr. Nejat can provide stronger prescription-strength peeling medications or perform cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart tissue, causing it to slough off. 

To get rid of painful plantar warts and all of your footcare needs, call our office at 610-272-8821 or request an appointment online.