Plantar warts which grow on the soles of your feet usually don’t require treatment and go away on their own. Treatment is necessary though if they are causing pain or spreading. There are different medical treatment options for removing warts including cryotherapy, cantharidin, immunotherapy, imiquimod, minor surgery, and laser treatment. In general, doctors will start with the option that is least likely to cause scaring and pain.
A common cause of plantar warts is an infection (the human papillomavirus) on the soles of your feet. There are actually over 100 strands of this virus though only a few cause warts on your feet. Overall the strain of HPV that causes these warts is not extremely contagious. It is most often contracted walking barefoot around gyms, pools, shower floors, or other public places. If you have cracks or cuts in your skin, these can create an entry point and the the chance of being infected with the virus increases.
Its recommended that you see a doctor if any of the following occur:
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NOTE: Due to the higher risk of infection, people with nerve damage in their feet, diabetes or a weakened immune system need treatment under a doctor-supervised foot care program.
If you think that any of the above conditions apply, request an appointment online by submitting the form on this page or call Coastal Podiatry & Wound Care at (904) 265-0470 to learn more about your treatment options.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is an educational resource. It is not intended to serve as a recommendation for the treatment or management of any medical condition. All decisions involving medical procedures or surgery should be made in conjunction with your physician or orthopedic surgeon.