Plantar Warts

Plantar Warts can be thought of as a small growth on the skin that are caused by coming into direct contact with a common virus that is found in the environment. They typically present on the bottom of the feet and can present in a variety of ways including single lesions, multiple lesions, and lesions of varying sizes, colors, and overall texture.

The skin will appear thickened like a callus and sometime it is possible to distinguish tiny black dots within the lesion. They can become painful on walking as well as squeezing the lesion and they will typically increase in size over time. They are contagious between individuals and can easily spread between family members in areas of barefoot walking, such as in the shower, the bathroom, and common areas like a pool. Once patients come into contact with plantar warts, they can be very difficult to eliminate.

Unfortunately plantar warts can be very difficult to treat in some patients and as they can go at great lengths to permanently eradicate the lesions. As the wart may seam to penetrate very deep into the foot, the actual lesion resides in the outer most layer of the skin, where the immune system does not acknowledge a foreign presence. As the body’s immune system remains unaware of the presence of the warty lesion, it will not bolster an immune response to attempt to rid the body of the virus. This is why it can be very troublesome and difficult to clear up the lesion.

Old folk remedies such as using duct tape on the lesion became popular as the adhesive within the tape caused a skin irritation. It is theorized that this skin reaction / irritation eventually would elicit an immune response to fight of the virus and, in turn, the wart!

Today’s current treatment options for removing warts include debriding the lesion(s), cryotherapy (freezing), topical or oral treatments, laser therapy, and surgery.

Seeking Treatment For Plantar Warts

The Podiatrists here at the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia specialize in the treatment and removal of plantar warts. We can assess your situation and discuss your treatment options with you so that you can quickly get started on the road to recovery.

Speak With A Specialist Today!

If you are suffering from plantar warts, please speak with one of our specialists today. To help you get back firmly on your feet, please call the Ankle and Foot Centers of Georgia at: 404-351-5015. Or you can CLICK HERE to contact us by email.