If you’ve ever wondered what those small, rough, flesh-colored growths are on the soles of your feet, it might be surprising to hear they could be plantar warts. The human papillomavirus virus causes these small lumps, also called (HPV). Their appearance can be quite alarming to some, but in others, plantar warts can cause extreme pain when walking and standing.
If you want to know what to do about your plantar warts or how to find plantar wart treatment near me, continue reading this blog to learn more about plantar warts and what removal options are available.
How Do Plantar Warts Develop?
Warts are contagious and can be spread through contact with infected skin, surfaces, or objects. There are over 100 different types of HPV. The virus enters the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. Once the virus enters the body, it replicates rapidly in the skin cells, creating warts on the surface of the feet. Plantar warts are most common in children and young adults but can occur at any age.
What Do Plantar Warts Look Like?
Plantar warts vary in appearance but typically have a rough, cauliflower-like surface. Their coloring ranges from flesh tone to dark brown or black.
How Are Plantar Warts Diagnosed?
A doctor can usually diagnose plantar warts by examining them. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
How Are Plantar Warts Treated?
Plantar warts are a common viral infection of the skin that appear on the soles of the feet and can be painful and challenging to treat. There are many treatments available for plantar warts.
Over-the-counter wart removers are a popular option for treating warts, a common viral skin infection. These products are available for purchase without a prescription.
Over-the-counter wart removers come in various forms, such as liquids, gels, and pads, and contain different active ingredients, including salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and trichloroacetic acid.
Salicylic acid is the most common active ingredient in over-the-counter wart removers. It works by softening the skin and dissolving the wart tissue, eventually causing the wart to fall off. Salicylic acid is generally safe, although it can cause skin irritation, and should not be used on sensitive areas or open wounds.
Hydrogen peroxide is another active ingredient in some over-the-counter wart removers. It works by producing oxygen, which kills the virus that causes warts. Hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation and should not be used on sensitive areas or open wounds.
Trichloroacetic acid is a stronger acid found in some over-the-counter wart removers. It works by burning the wart tissue and causing it to fall off. Trichloroacetic acid should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional or podiatrist, as it can cause severe skin irritation and should not be used on sensitive areas or open wounds.
While over-the-counter wart removers can be effective in treating warts, they are not always successful. Sometimes, the warts don’t respond to the treatment or grow back. It is also important to follow the instructions on the product carefully and to avoid using too much of the product, as this can cause skin damage. Further evaluation and treatment by a podiatrist in LA are recommended.
Prescription Plantar Warts Removal in Los Angeles
Prescription wart removers are a highly effective treatment option for plantar warts. Prescription plantar warts treatment contains stronger active ingredients than over-the-counter options. Prescription wart removers, such as creams, gels, and liquids, come in different forms and are applied directly to the affected area.
Imiquimod Cream stimulates the immune system to fight the virus that causes warts. It is generally applied to the affected area three times a week and can take several weeks to see results. Imiquimod is generally safe to use, although it can cause skin irritation and flu-like symptoms.
Cantharidin is a chemical that causes a blister to form under the wart, which then falls off. It is generally applied to the affected area by a healthcare professional and can be painful, but it is highly effective in removing warts.
Cryotherapy is another standard prescription wart removal method. Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which causes it to fall off. Besides slight discomfort and blistering, it is highly effective in removing warts.
It is important to note that prescription wart removers are not appropriate for everyone. They should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can cause skin irritation, pain, and other side effects. They may also be inappropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
If you are struggling with plantar warts, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.
Plantar Warts Removal Surgery
Surgery is reserved for severe cases of plantar warts that have not responded to other treatments.
Laser surgery involves using a laser to burn the wart tissue and destroy the virus that causes the wart. Laser surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis and is a quick and relatively painless procedure. However, it can cause some discomfort and redness in the affected area.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation involve scraping away the wart tissue with a sharp instrument (curette) and then applying an electric current to the area to destroy any remaining virus. Curettage and electrodesiccation are generally performed under local anesthesia and can cause discomfort and scarring.
Surgery for plantar warts is usually a last resort, as it is more invasive than other treatment options and can cause some discomfort and scarring. The doctor removes the excess skin tissue growth while the patient is under local anesthesia. The procedure is not appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as poor circulation or diabetes.
SWIFT Plantar Warts Removal Treatment
SWIFT is a type of microwave therapy that removes plantar warts. It works by heating the tissues of the warts with a microwave beam that destroys the virus causing the wart (HPV). SWIFT sends electronic, magnetic energy to the area for several seconds. This heats up the tissues and destroys the virus. SWIFT plantar warts removal is typically quick and there is some minor discomfort that resides almost immediately. Most patients require three to four treatments for the desired results.
There are other treatment options available for plantar warts, including topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing the wart), and surgical removal. The best treatment option depends on the individual’s circumstances and should be discussed with a podiatrist in Los Angeles.
How Can I Prevent Plantar Warts?
There is no sure way to prevent plantar warts, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and gyms.
- Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet from the ground.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- If you have a wart, do not touch it, and wash your hands frequently.
Are Plantar Warts Contagious?
Yes, plantar warts are highly contagious. Many are unaware that walking barefoot in public places, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and gyms. The virus can also be spread through contact with an infected person’s skin or an object with the virus.
How Long Do Plantar Warts Last?
Plantar warts can go away on their own, but this may take months or even years. If you have a painful plantar wart that does not go away on its own, you should see a podiatrist in LA.
What Are the Complications of Plantar Warts?
In rare cases, plantar warts can lead to complications, such as:
- Infection: If a plantar wart breaks open, it can become infected.
- Spread: Plantar warts can spread to other body parts, such as the hands or fingers.
- Hyperkeratosis: Hyperkeratosis is when the skin becomes thick and hard. This can occur around a plantar wart, making treating it more difficult.
What Should I Do if I Have a Plantar Wart?
If you have a plantar wart, you should see a podiatrist or foot doctor for plantar wart removal in Los Angeles for a diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. There are many treatments available to improve your foot health and situation.
