Were You Aware? The most common of all skin infections is the common wart; and up to 10% of all Americans have these skin lesions. A plantar wart is one that is specifically found on the plantar area of the foot -- the bottom, or underside.
Cause? -- It?s Viral Foot warts, as they are sometimes called, are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The lesions only very rarely become pre-cancerous. The virus may incubate from 1 - 20 months before warts actually appear. The virus may live up to 2 years in individuals with healthy immune systems.
How/Where Did Exposure Occur? HPV thrives in warm moist areas, like public showers, locker rooms, or around swimming pools. You may have picked it up just by sharing someone else's socks or sandals. Tiny breaks in the skin that you were likely unaware of, are the most likely entry point for the virus.
Why Treat It, If It Might Go Away? For the following reasons:
- To eliminate the accompanying pain: foot pain, back pain, leg pain
- Embarrassment: they sometimes spread and 'cluster' to cover the entire sole
- Stop the contagion: don't let it spread to other parts of your body or infect loved ones
What Your MD Might Suggest: For the reasons just listed, your doctor will likely recommend eliminating the warts themselves, even though the virus itself may survive the treatment. Antiviral agents are only deemed necessary in severe cases. Medical options include:
- Freezing, or Cryotherapy -- one study suggests that this is less effective than the fabled 'duct-tape' cure
- Topical Treatment -- the warts are eaten away by applications of acids, such as salicylic acid
- Surgeries - expensive options which include the latest laser surgery.
Home Remedies Many home remedies are actually quite effective at removing the warts. Some treatments are simply variations of the fabled 'duct tape' cure. Most are inexpensive and safe. All require patience, persistence, and various lengths of time.
Cautions Use common sense. See your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or circulatory problems. He or she will help you select an appropriate treatment.
In Summary Eliminating your plantar warts will reduce pain and embarrassment, and keep them from spreading. Once gone, carefully avoid re-exposure to the virus. Your best defense in the long run is to keep your immune system strong.