Foot Or Plantar Warts: Everything You Must Know 

Having bony or soft tissue protrusions or lumps can be annoying, especially if they cause impaired mobility due to pain and discomfort. Foot or plantar warts are one such benign swellings that develop on the soles of your feet. Though there are no serious health problems, they can be extremely painful and may spread easily. 

Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates and their team of highly experienced podiatrists provide comprehensive treatment options for people of all ages affected by foot warts.

Describe foot warts

Foot warts, also known as plantar warts are benign (non-cancerous), small, flesh-colored bumps or swellings that usually develop over the soles and balls of your feet. They acquire when the HPV (human papillomavirus) enters a cut or break in your skin and causes an infection. 

List the symptoms associated with foot warts

Foot or plantar wart symptoms include:

  • A rough, thick surface that may resemble a cauliflower
  • Discoloration around the affected area
  • Wart seeds (dotted with brown or black specks of dried blood clots)
  • Mosaic warts (cluster of growths on the sole)
  • Pain or tenderness when walking or standing 
  • Discomfort 
  • Bleeding 

Who is at a high risk of getting warts?

Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing plantar warts:

  • Compromised immune system
  • Being a child or teenager
  • History of warts
  • People who walk barefoot in areas such as swimming pools

Diagnosing foot warts 

Foot or plantar warts can be easily diagnosed by examining your bumps through a physical examination.

Furthermore, your doctor may perform a biopsy where a small amount of the bump is taken and sent to a laboratory to check for HPV.

Treating foot warts

Plantar warts can resolve on their own once your immune system fights off the virus. But you may require treatment to prevent its spread. 

  • Topical medication: Involves the application of a liquid chemical called cantharidin to treat the warts
  • Cryotherapy: Application of extreme cold to freeze and destroy the warts.
  • Immunotherapy: This therapy helps to fight HPV which involves a topical chemical such as diphencyprone (DCP).
  • Laser treatment: A laser light is used to heat and destroy the tiny blood vessels inside your warts.
  • Electrocautery:  This procedure uses an electric current to burn your plantar warts off.
  • Surgery: This is the surgical removal of the wart performed under local anaesthesia using a sharp surgical knife (scalpel). 

Bottom line 

Plantar warts are common, and your immune system may fight off the virus. However, these can spread easily and may require prompt treatment to prevent any further complications. 

If you notice any abnormal, hard, or thickened nodules in the soles of your feet, it is a good idea to seek medical help.