Don’t Let Plantar Warts Spoil Your Summertime Fun

Warts

Nothing is quite as exciting as the first rush of summer when we head outdoors. And the last thing we want to consider is getting a plantar wart. But walking barefoot, cutting your foot, or using public pools and showers, can cause these pesky warts to develop. Today, the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group doctors are sharing information regarding this condition, including how to treat and prevent them.

Plantar warts are a viral infection inside the skin typically instigated by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Typically, they are non-cancerous and are not dangerous.

These warts often start small, appearing as tiny black dots that eventually grow to the size of a pencil eraser. They are typically flat with a smooth surface, have a brown or grayish-yellow color, and appear on the ball and heel of the foot.

Treatment Options for Plantar Warts

First and foremost, treating warts is not usually a quick and easy process. In fact, it can take up to a few weeks to a few months to remove them entirely because the warts are deep within the skin layers. The wart shields itself in the skin so the body can’t find them, making treatment challenging.

Treatment with acid is often used and requires a few applications. If the wart is stubborn, freezing and cutting the wart out is also an option. While many people choose over-the-counter liquids and ointments, severe problems can occur with prolonged use. Infection, pain scarring, and skin irritations are a few examples.

Preventing Plantar Warts

  • Don’t go barefoot in public showers or at a water park or pool bathrooms
  • Keep feet dry and clean
  • Change shoes and socks daily
  • Don’t scratch warts, or they will spread
  • Examine your children’s feet regularly during warmer months
  • Do not ignore growths on, or changes in, the skin

Many plantar warts disappear on their own because the body’s immune system kills the virus. But left untreated, stubborn warts can grow and spread into clusters, causing swelling, bleeding, or pain.

The best advice is to schedule an appointment with our office as soon as you notice the signs of a growth.

The New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group has almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.