How You Get and Remove Plantar Warts
Answered by Dr. Goldberg
Plantar Warts: How You Get Them and How You Get Rid of Them
Plantar warts appear on the bottom of the feet as a lesion; however, you often see tiny black or red dots within them. These pinpoint-sized dots are actually sections of blood vessels. Plantar warts are not cancerous, and they do not always need medical care. When they cause pain, however, it is best to get rid of them. Over-the-counter treatments are available, but they do not always work effectively. When nothing you’ve tried has gotten rid of your warts, it’s time to visit a doctor for their removal.
What Causes Plantar Warts
Plantar warts occur when specific forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV1, HPV2, and HPV3) enters into your skin through small cuts on the bottom of your feet. The virus thrives in warm, humid areas like public swimming pools and shower rooms in public gyms. Wearing waterproof shoes in these areas helps reduce your risk of contracting plantar warts.
Common Methods for Removing the Warts
As plantar warts are on the feet, removal depends on the severity. Your doctor will discuss the different options with you. They include:
- Cantharidin
- Cryosurgery
- Imiquimod
- Laser
- Salicylic acid
Cantharidin is a common chemical extracted from the blister beetle. You will not feel anything when the substance is applied, but as the blister forms there may be some tenderness. After a week, the doctor trims away the dead wart.
Cryosurgery involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. Once the chemical is applied to the skin it forms a blister. After a week, the dead wart tissue falls off. Some pain and tenderness may occur when the liquid nitrogen is applied and when the skin blisters. Depending on the practice or severity of the warts, local anesthesia may be applied first.
Imiquimod is a prescription cream that is applied to the surface of the wart. It releases proteins that attack the virus. As it can cause inflammation in surrounding tissue, it is used carefully and stopped if any inflammation occurs.
Laser treatment is a helpful way of killing the wart. The pulsed dye laser cauterizes the blood vessels, causing the wart tissue to die and fall off.
Salicylic acid is another chemical treatment for warts. It is often paired with cantharidin. The chemical causes a blister to form around the wart.
Dr. Goldberg of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of NY and NJ is happy to discuss the best ways to remove problematic plantar warts. Fill out the online consultation form or call (646) 461-8550 to schedule an appointment today.