Plantar Warts

Warts are a noncancerous growth caused by a viral infection. The group of wart causing viruses in humans is called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). A plantar wart is the same as any other wart, “plantar” refers to being on the bottom of the foot. These appear different as pressure from being walked on pushes the lesions into the skin, rather than the elevation seen at other parts of the body.

Main contributing factors

Plantar warts can occur when HPV invades the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin on the bottom of the feet.
HPV encountered on contaminated surfaces, such as the tile floors of public locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.
Repeated HPV exposure.
Having a weakened immune system.

Plantar Warts Symptoms

Thickened skin – Often a plantar wart resembles a callus because of its tough, thick tissue.
Pain – Walking and standing may be painful. Squeezing the sides of the wart may also cause pain.
Tiny black dots. These often appear on the surface of the wart. The dots are actually dried blood contained in the capillaries (tiny blood vessels).

Treatment for Plantar Warts

Plantar warts may eventually clear up on their own, most patients desire faster relief.
Your podiatrist may use topical acid treatments, cryotherapy (freezing), occlusion therapy or surgery to remove the wart.

What can you do?

Follow all of your Podiatrist’s instructions, including all home care advice as well as follow-up visits with the Podiatrist.

Take the first step towards happy and healthy feet.

Ready to give your feet the care they deserve? Book your appointment online or call us and experience our expert podiatry services at any of our six clinic locations.

Call 1300 76 33 66