Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are otherwise known as Verruca Pedis, appear as clumps of rough skin. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), this virus causes changes in skin cells. Warts may occur anywhere on the body, however, it is most common on feet and hands. As it is a virus it may spread resulting in several in the same area or warts across different areas of skin. Treating warts can be challenging as it often involves an immune response.

Individuals may develop warts if exposed to the HPV virus. Most people develop warts once or more throughout their life. It is common before the age of 20 and may be more likely to spread if you are immunocompromised. Warts are not generally harmful, they may be painful if they are on a sensitive part of the foot. Some people are bothered by the appearance of warts.

Warts are contagious, you are at risk if your skin is broken, damaged or wet. A commonplace to transmit warts is at communal swimming pools and washing areas. Warts can also spread to other parts of your body if they are picked or scratched. If you have a weak immune system warts may spread more rapidly and may be more resistant to treatment.

Tips to reduce the risk of transmission:

  • Wear flip flops in public areas such as at swimming pools

  • Cover warts with a waterproof plaster when swimming

  • Do not share towels

  • Do not share shoes or socks

Plantar warts (Verruca Pedis) are very difficult to treat and it takes multiple treatments to achieve a result. Some plantar warts are resistant to treatment and require more extensive treatment. The treatment aims to trick the immune system to respond to the HPV infection to get rid of the wart tissue.

Some treatment options include:

  • Salicylic Acid Treatment - this treatment includes the podiatrist debriding the overlying hard skin and applying acid weekly over many weeks

  • Silver nitrate - a gentle antimicrobial

  • Liquid Nitrogen - this involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen

  • Needling - this is a procedure that requires a local anesthetic and involves needling the wart tissue

Podiatrists often combine wart treatments to achieve the best results. A common treatment may include debriding the overlying tissue with a scalpel, silver nitrate application, liquid nitrogen freezing, acid application, and occlusion.