Warts
Warts are the most common infection of the skin caused by a virus. Plantar warts grow on the plantar, or bottom surface of the foot. Plantar warts often grow into the deeper layers of skin because of the pressure they receive due to their location.
A plantar wart typically resembles a “cauliflower” with tiny black petechiae (tiny hemorrhages under the skin) in the centre. Pinpoint bleeding may occur when these are scratched, and they may be painful when standing or walking.
Because plantar warts are spread by contact with moist surfaces, they can be prevented by not walking barefoot in public areas such as showers or communal change rooms. Also, it is not recommended to share shoes and socks, and avoiding direct contact with warts on other parts of the body or on other people.
Warts are the most common infection of the skin caused by a virus. Plantar warts grow on the plantar, or bottom surface of the foot. Plantar warts often grow into the deeper layers of skin because of the pressure they receive due to their location.
A plantar wart typically resembles a “cauliflower” with tiny black petechiae (tiny hemorrhages under the skin) in the centre. Pinpoint bleeding may occur when these are scratched, and they may be painful when standing or walking.
Because plantar warts are spread by contact with moist surfaces, they can be prevented by not walking barefoot in public areas such as showers or communal change rooms. Also, it is not recommended to share shoes and socks, and avoiding direct contact with warts on other parts of the body or on other people.
Treatment
A mild acid (e.g., Salicylic acid, cantharidin, dichloroacetic acid) can be applied topically to treat plantar warts. This treatment, which often requires multiple applications over the course of several weeks, the medication disintegrates viral cells and allows healthy skin cells to replace them.
A mild acid (e.g., Salicylic acid, cantharidin, dichloroacetic acid) can be applied topically to treat plantar warts. This treatment, which often requires multiple applications over the course of several weeks, the medication disintegrates viral cells and allows healthy skin cells to replace them.
