Plantar Warts: Relief is on the Way

Are you familiar with plantar warts? Since it’s not likely a subject that often comes up at the dinner table or among friends (and thank goodness for that - you’ll see why if you keep reading), you may be in the dark about the causes, symptoms or treatment options for plantar warts. And isn’t that something you’d like to know – just in case? Well, then, let’s take a look!

Do you suffer from plantar warts? If so, you know the pain they can cause – sometimes to the point of being unable to walk normally, or, walk at all for that matter.

But, if you don’t suffer from plantar warts you might not even know what they are! Since it’s not likely a subject that often comes up at the dinner table or among friends (and thank goodness for that - you’ll see why if you keep reading), you may be in the dark about the causes, symptoms or treatment options for plantar warts. And isn’t that something you’d like to know – just in case? Well, then, let’s take a look!

Plantar Wart – the Lowdown
A plantar wart is a wart on the sole of the foot or between the toes. It is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), the same virus responsible for the development of warts on other areas of the body, including genital warts. The virus enters the skin through cuts and abrasions, often microscopic in size and difficult to see.

Plantar warts can feel like hardened lumps, and can be brown, gray or yellow in color. Placing body weight on the feet when standing or walking can hurt, with pain ranging in severity from occasional discomfort to an inability to walk without wincing. Not to mention how difficult it becomes to play footsie . . . 

Ummm . . . OK, moving on.

Do they go away?
Plantar warts tend to clear up as the HPV virus runs its course within a couple of years, but they can be troublesome and unsightly in the meantime. In severe cases, the warts may have to be removed by a licensed podiatrist.

Are you at risk?
Because the HPV virus is so widespread, anyone can catch it and develop plantar warts. Antibodies that develop from repeated HPV exposure over the years usually keeps the virus from developing into warts, but some people’s systems are more resistant than others. Plantar warts tend to be more common in pre-teens and teenagers, and spread among people who use shared bathing areas, such as showers in gyms and health clubs. Individuals with compromised immune systems are also more susceptible.

Treatment Tips and Tricks
If you suffer from plantar warts, you don’t have to take them lying down. Get back on your feet again with these tips:

• Don’t go barefoot! The skin on exposed feet is more likely to develop tiny cuts that the HPV virus can enter through.

• Don’t wear the same shoes and socks more than one day in a row.

• Wash your feet regularly, and take care to clean between the toes. If commercial soaps are too drying, look for soaps made with all-natural ingredients, such as shea and cocoa butters and vegetable oils.

• Check your feet periodically and make a note of any changes to share with your doctor.

So now you know! With this information in your health arsenal, you’ll be playing footsie for years to come!