Plantar warts are a common condition that affects the feet and can often cause discomfort. While these growths are non-cancerous, they can still interfere with routine activities, such as walking or standing. It’s helpful for individuals to understand their symptoms, causes, potential recurrence, and treatment methods to better address and manage this condition.  

What Are Plantar Warts? 

Plantar warts are growths that appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin through tiny cuts or breaks. These warts often develop on weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heel or the ball of the foot. Their location can cause discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods. 

Plantar warts are typically raised and well-defined. They often have a hardened surface and may display small black dots, which are tiny blood vessels. While these warts are non-cancerous, they can spread to other areas of the foot or even to other people through direct or indirect contact. 

What Are the Symptoms? 

This condition may cause pain or tenderness, particularly when pressure is applied to the affected area. Patients may notice a rough, grainy texture on the skin. The wart may grow inward rather than outward due to continuous pressure from standing or walking, leading to the formation of a callus over the growth. Other symptoms include small clusters of warts, which may merge to form a mosaic pattern, and a disruption in the natural lines of the skin where the wart sits. 

What Are the Causes? 

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for causing plantar warts. Public pools, locker rooms, and gym showers are examples of spaces where the virus can be picked up. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making these locations high-risk for exposure. 

Direct contact with the virus, either from infected skin or contaminated surfaces, allows the virus to enter through small breaks in the skin. Once inside, the virus triggers rapid cell growth, leading to the formation of a wart. While anyone can develop plantar warts, the risk may be higher in individuals with weakened immune systems or those frequently in communal barefoot areas. 

What Is Involved in Their Recurrence? 

This condition can return even after treatment. This may occur if the virus remains in the skin after partial removal of the wart. They are also more likely to recur in individuals who are continually exposed to high-risk environments, such as communal showers or swimming areas, without taking proper precautions.

A weakened immune system may also heighten the chances of recurrence. An incomplete or ineffective treatment can leave behind viral particles in the skin, leading to regrowth. For long-term management, it’s helpful to address not just the warts themselves but also the factors contributing to their recurrence. 

How Are They Treated? 

The treatment of plantar warts is aimed at removing and stopping the spread of additional warts. Methods include: 

  • Salicylic acid treatment: Salicylic acid is a topical option designed to remove the layers of the wart gradually.
  • Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. 
  • Laser therapy: Laser treatment uses focused light energy to destroy the blood vessels within the wart. 
  • Surgical removal: For warts that do not respond to other treatments, surgical removal may be an option. 

Talk With a Podiatrist Today 

Plantar warts can disrupt daily activities and cause persistent discomfort. Whether they are a one-time issue or a recurring problem, professional guidance helps identify effective treatment options. A podiatrist has the expertise to diagnose this condition accurately and recommend treatments tailored to individual needs.