Plantar warts are a condition that causes growths on the bottom of the feet. This type of wart is prevalent and can occur at any age. If you allow it to become damp and humid, the virus that causes these warts thrives in warm and wet areas such as locker rooms, pools, and even your own home. While warts themselves are not typically harmful, they can be quite painful and often interfere with walking or other activities. There are a few different ways to treat plantar warts, but they will usually disappear over time without any treatment at all. However, if you are experiencing pain from plantar warts, a specialist in treating warts in Scottsdale can treat the problem.

Causes

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, causes plantar warts. This virus is prevalent and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact or contact with objects that have been touched by someone who has the virus. The virus thrives in warm and wet environments, so locker rooms, pools, and even your home might be locations where you could contract the virus.

You can quickly develop plantar warts if you have a cut or scrape on the bottom of your foot since the virus can quickly enter the body through the opening. People with weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk for developing plantar warts.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of plantar warts is the growth of small, bumpy warts on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts are often dark in color, and they might be painful to the touch. These symptoms can vary depending on how deeply the virus has grown into the tissue of your foot. When you walk or run, you could also experience pain if warts have developed deep within your skin.

Treatment

The most common way to treat plantar warts is to leave them alone and allow them to disappear over time. This can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the size and number of warts you have. If you are experiencing pain from warts, you can do a few things to relieve the discomfort.

One option is to soak your feet in warm water and then use a pumice stone to scrub away warts gently. You can also use over-the-counter wart removal products, or you can visit your doctor for a prescription-strength cream. If the warts are particularly painful or are interfering with your ability to walk, you might need to have them surgically removed.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent plantar warts, but you can lower your risk of contracting the virus by practising good hygiene. Keep your feet clean and dry, and avoid touching or scratching your feet if you have any cuts or scrapes. If you are prone to developing plantar warts, you might want to avoid places where the virus is known to thrive, such as locker rooms and pools.

To summarize, plantar warts are a condition that causes growth on the bottom of the feet. They are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The most common symptom of plantar warts is the growth of small, bumpy warts on the bottom of the feet. The most common way to treat plantar warts is to leave them alone and they disappear over time, but a podiatrist can also recommend treatment. You can lower your risk of contracting the virus by practicing good hygiene.