What causes foot warts?
Foot warts (or plantar warts) develop when human papillomavirus (HPV) enters your skin, often through a wound, cut, or weak spot. Even though anyone of any age can struggle with foot warts, they’re most common among children and teens.
Your risk of developing a case of foot warts is high if you:
- Have had foot warts in the past
- Have a weakened immune system
- Walk barefoot in areas where wart-causing viruses thrive, such as communal showers
It’s also possible to come into contact with HPV when you get a pedicure. This is why it’s important to go to nail salons that practice proper sanitation and don’t share tools — including nail files — between clients.
When should I see a podiatrist for foot warts?
Since foot warts can lead to serious pain that can lead to discomfort with each step you take, Dr. Rosenblum encourages you to come into Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic at the very first sign of warts — whether you have one or several. It’s especially important to come in if your warts are:
- Tender, changing colors, or bleeding
- Getting worse or spreading to other areas
- Growing inwards and developing calluses over them
- Starting to interfere with work, sports, or enjoyable activities
Dr. Rosenblum also encourages you to come in if you suspect you have warts and know you have a weakened immune system. He can often diagnose you quickly and get you started on wart treatment on the spot.
How can I treat my foot warts?
Treating foot warts depends on how severe they are and whether or not you have a history of warts. Depending on your specific case of plantar warts, your personalized treatment plan from Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic may include:
- Prescription-strength salicylic acid peeling medicine
- Liquid nitrogen applications, known as cryotherapy
- Electrodesiccation and curettage surgery
- Pulsed-dye laser sessions
Dr. Rosenblum even counsels you on preventive measures, so once your current wart outbreak is under control, you can learn to lower your risk of future warts.
If you have foot warts, schedule an exam at Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic right away to get started on treatment. Book your appointment either online or over the phone.
