What are Plantar Warts? A Podiatrist Explains the Causes and Treatment
Share
A podiatrist explains what plantar warts are, how the HPV virus spreads them, and how they are treated and prevented.
By Jason McLellan, Co-Owner & Paediatric Podiatrist, Little Big Feet Podiatry, Brisbane
Key Facts
- What it isA contagious skin lesion on the foot caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
- Most at riskAnyone with dry, cracked skin or a cut who uses communal wet areas like pool decks and showers barefoot, and those with a lower immune response.
- Common symptomsA wart that can appear anywhere on the foot, including weight-bearing areas, and may be painful. Often mistaken for a corn.
- Primary treatmentPodiatrist-applied topical treatments, cryotherapy (freezing), infiltration or surgical excision. Diabetics and those with compromised health should avoid home remedies.
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection known as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are many different types of HPV, but only a few cause plantar warts. Plantar warts are commonly mistaken for corns, however unlike corns, warts do not arise due to pressure and may present anywhere on the foot including weight bearing areas. Plantar warts aren't a serious cause for concern, however because they are a virus, they are contagious, can spread rapidly and may be painful.
What causes plantar warts?
HPV is transmitted by direct or indirect contact. This means it can be transferred through contact with surfaces harbouring the virus. Not everyone who encounters the virus will become infected. This depends on the individual's immune system and amount of exposure. HPV needs a portal of entry, so dry cracked skin or a lesion or cut can increase one's likelihood of contracting HPV. The virus thrives in warm, moist damp environments. Wet areas such as pool decks are a perfect example. Because of this, it is recommended to always wear thongs or slides in public places (rather than being barefoot), and it is certainly worthwhile treating the wart to avoid others in the household becoming infected.
How are plantar warts treated?
Podiatrists can treat warts in several ways. The treatment that someone chooses will depend on their age, health, and how bothersome the site is. There are several topical treatment modalities that generally involve multiple applications. Whilst more conservative, topical applications tend to take longer to resolve the HPV. Podiatrists may also use cryotherapy (freezing), infiltration techniques or surgical excision to remove the wart.
Diabetics and people with compromised health, should avoid any home care remedies.
The Comfort Co Breakdown
Plantar warts, in plainer English
Plantar warts, caused by a form of HPV, are contagious and thrive in moist environments. They can be treated with topical applications, cryotherapy, or surgical removal.
Written by The Comfort Co team.
The Comfort Co Solutions
As plantar warts are viral, we do not have a lot of over-the-counter solutions. There are a few things you can keep in your arsenal to put your best foot forward while a podiatrist does the heavy lifting.
A pair of jandals you never want to take off
Plantar warts are viral, so your best form of defence from catching them, or spreading them if you are already infected, is investing in a pair of jandals you absolutely love. That way you will be happy wearing them anywhere and everywhere, mostly the pool deck and the shower. We can recommend our absolute favourites, the Vitasole Vitality.
Look after dry, cracked skin
Dry or cracked skin can increase your chances of catching plantar warts, since the virus needs a portal of entry. You can treat this using Callusan creams on your feet.
Comfort Co Pro Tip
From the local and school pools to the hot pools, there is plenty of barefoot time on warm, wet communal ground. That is exactly where warts love to travel, so keep your jandals on in any shared wet area and treat an existing wart early before it spreads through the household.
Keep Reading
Quick questions
What causes plantar warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The virus needs a portal of entry, so dry cracked skin or a cut raises the risk, and it thrives in warm, moist areas like pool decks.
Are plantar warts contagious?
Yes. Because plantar warts are a virus, they are contagious and can spread rapidly, both to other parts of your foot and to other people in the household.
What is the difference between a plantar wart and a corn?
Corns arise from pressure, while plantar warts are viral and can appear anywhere on the foot, including weight-bearing areas. A podiatrist can tell them apart.
How are plantar warts treated?
Podiatrists can use topical treatments over several applications, cryotherapy (freezing), infiltration techniques or surgical excision. The right option depends on your age, health and how bothersome the wart is.
How can I avoid catching plantar warts?
Wear jandals or slides rather than going barefoot in public wet areas, keep any dry or cracked skin cared for, and treat an existing wart to protect others in your household.
Sources
- DermNet. Viral wart. dermnetnz.org
- Cleveland Clinic. Plantar Warts. my.clevelandclinic.org