Plantar Warts

Warts or verruca are a viral infection in the skin, there are many different types of warts including common warts, genital warts and plantar warts. Warts are most common in children aged 12-16 years or people with weakened immune systems.

They can be found on the face, knees, hands and feet. Symptoms may include: A small raised bump on the skin, but usually in plantar warts aren’t raised, it may be itchy, can appear alone or in clusters, can hurt to walk on or when squeezed and can have a cauliflower like appearance with tiny black dots in the centre.

You can develop warts by: skin infections, excessively sweaty feet, swimming in public pools, walking barefoot in communal showers, and direct contact with other people’s warts.

There are many different types of treatments for warts, it is best to speak to your Podiatrist for the best treatment for you.

The treatments available include: Salicylic acid with potassium applied to the skin, Cryotherapy – the warts are frozen with liquid nitrogen, Building up your immune system and surgical removal

Prevention: Avoid walking barefoot especially in public showers and change rooms, change socks daily, keep feet clean and dry, don’t touch other people’s warts, avoid sharing shoes, socks and showering facilities and towels.

If you think you may have plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist today about what can be done to help.