Corporate Health & Wellness Specialist – PrognoHealth
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are non-cancerous skin growths on the top layer of the skin that are formed due to a viral infection. They are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the body through tiny cuts, breaks, or other weak spots, often through the bottom of the feet. It usually affects children and people with a weakened immune system.
Plantar warts generally disappear without any treatment but may cause discomfort and pain. Foot warts are more troublesome since they lie below the surface of the skin. It is, therefore, advisable to prevent plantar warts from growing.
Symptoms
• Small, bumpy growth on the soles of the feet with tiny black dots on the surface
• Pain or tenderness in the soles when walking or standing
Prevention
* If you have warts avoid direct contact with other body parts avoid contact with warts from other people.
* Keep the feet clean and dry: Change shoes and socks daily.
* Don’t pick at warts as it may spread the virus.
* Don’t Use the same pumice stone or nail clipper on your warts as you use on your healthy skin and nails
* Wash the hands thoroughly after touching warts.
* Avoid walking barefoot on warm or damp surfaces.
* Cover the wart properly before swimming.
Treatment
• Put a small strip of packing tape on the wart and leave it on. After a week, remove it, soak the area with the wart in water, and then gently remove it with a pumice stone. The process can be repeated until the wart disappears.
* Doctors freeze the wart with liquid nitrogen and then remove it with laser or surgery or by injecting medicines to strengthen the immune system so that it can clear the body of the virus.
Self-treatment should always be avoided by those with diabetes, cardiovascular, or circulatory disorders.
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