Plantar Warts
Plantar Warts, or verrucae, are benign skin tumours found on the soles of the feet, often in weight bearing areas such as the heels, the balls of the feet and the toes.
Often mistaken for calluses or corns, Plantar Warts can be recognised by: an interruption of the normal skin lines, with a ‘cauliflower’ texture to the skin and a well-delineated border; black dots, representing clotted capillaries within the wart tissue; pain when the wart is squeezed at the sides.
Plantar Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which enters your body through tiny cuts, cracks or breaks in your skin. Because each person's immune system responds differently, however, not everyone who comes into contact with HPV will develop Plantar Warts.
If left untreated, Plantar Warts may continue to enlarge and spread, developing into mosaic-like clusters, and become more resistant to treatment. They may also become deeply embedded within the skin and painful to walk on.
To treat Plantar Warts most effectively, see your podiatrist, who will recommend the least painful – and least destructive – method first. Most wart treatments involve irritating the wart and surrounding skin, prompting your immune system to recognize the wart as foreign and destroy it.
To reduce your risk of Plantar Warts: keep your feet clean and dry, and change your shoes and socks daily; wear sandals in public areas such as locker rooms and around pools; do not pick at warts, as picking may spread the virus; avoid direct contact with warts – including your own.
If you think you may have plantar warts, contact us.
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