Plantar Warts

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Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection. It appears as a small, hard, grainy skin growth. In some cases, a plantar wart can grow more than an inch in diameter. Plantar warts are often mistaken for corns and calluses. Until it develops in size or spread in clusters. Some warts appear with little black dots. This is an indication of blood vessels that have surfaced up into the wart.  

 

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Warts

 

  • Small, hard, thick skin growth with little black dots indicating blood vessels surfacing up to the wart.

  • Smooth skin surfaces often gray or brown in color

  • Pain in thick areas on the soles

  • Small, skin growths on the heel and ball of the foot

  • Plantar warts can also form clusters (mosaic warts)

 

Preventing Plantar Warts

 

Plantar warts are caused by a virus and enters the feet through cuts, wounds or blisters. It can be acquired through direct contact with the virus or wet surfaces containing infected skin.

 

  • Check your feet regularly for any unusual skin changes such as discolored skin surfaces or abnormal skin growth

  • The skin provides a strong physical barrier against germs and viruses. Treat wounds, cuts and blisters immediately to prevent the entry of viruses

  • Wear slippers and sandals in wet public surfaces. Public showers and lockers have wet surfaces where are commonly found

  • Wash hands regularly and never share items such as shoes or socks. Infection can be spread through direct contact with an infected person’s feet or skin.

 

Treating Plantar Warts

 

Acid – over the counter treatments for plantar warts are available. This includes the use of acids which has been proven to be one of the simplest and most effective options for plantar wart treatment. Treatment can take anywhere up to a few weeks.

 

Laser Treatment – intense heat from a laser emitting device is used to destroy the wart. It can be performed in the doctor’s clinic and can be performed in under an hour.

 

Curettage and desiccation – the area is first injected with anesthesia. The doctor then surgically removes the plantar wart which can also cause scarring.

 

Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.