Plantar warts are tough, horny growths that develop on plantar surfaces - that is, the soles (or bottom) of the feet. Normal standing and walking tends to force them into the skin, and the pressure makes the feet very painful. Like all warts, they are benign and may go away even without treatment, but in most cases they are too painful to ignore.
Plantar warts are caused by a virus that invades the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. The warts may not appear for weeks or months after the initial exposure. Like other viral infections, plantar warts are contagious, commonly spread in public swimming pools or communal showers.
Wart treatment is progressive and there is no instantaneous cure. Treatments range from liquid nitrogen to home remedies, supervised self treatment with pharmacy medicine, chemical cautery and referral for surgical removal in more stubborn cases. Consult with one of the professionals at Kingsway Podiatry to find the best treatment for your wart.
