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PLANTAR WARTS (Verruca Plantaris)

Plantar warts (Verruca Plantaris) are skin infections caused by the
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and cause a hard and often painful
thickened lesion on the sole of the foot. The viruses are present every
where and are spread when they comes in direct contact with the skin
where the outer protective layer is broken, either by minor trauma or by
moisture. Plantar warts are different in their appearance from the
common raised wart commonly seen on the knees and elbows of
children, although these too are most common in children due to
their less mature immune system.

Plantar warts are not usually a serious health concern and may disappear
in a few weeks or last many years. Plantar warts often make running,
jumping, and even walking, uncomfortable because they press inwards
on the sensitive nerves of the skin. The tenderness can change posture
and cause strain elsewhere in the body. A little wart can be a big problem.

Warts should be treated if they are spreading (either elsewhere on your
foot or to other members of the family), unsightly, or continue to be painful. Many treatment options are available to treat warts. Unfortunately, ‘over the counter’ preparations are generally unsuccessful in treating plantar warts due to their deeper and calluses-over formation. In the first instance, your podiatrists may apply a mild acid (e.g., salicylic acid) topically to the wart.
This treatment, which often requires multiple applications over the course of several weeks, removes the viral
cells slowly and allows healthy skin cells to replace them.

Cryotherapy involves freezing warts with a very cold solution (histofreeze) that can be effective in conjunction
with other treatments. This treatment is ineffective in some cases when the solution does not penetrate far
enough to completely destroy the virus.

Electrocautery using hyfrecation is another method of removing large and stubborn plantar warts and needs to
be performed under a local anesthetic. This procedure is skillfully performed in our surgery.

Surgical removal (excision) usually is not recommended to treat plantar warts because it can cause painful
scarring.

The following may help to prevent plantar warts:

• Avoid walking barefoot in communal changing or shower rooms
• Change shoes and socks daily.
• Keep feet clean and dry.
• Check children's feet periodically.
• Avoid direct contact with warts on other persons or on other parts of the body.
• Do not ignore growths on, or changes in, your skin.
• Visit a podiatrist immediately if you notice any lumps or sores on the foot