Summary
Highlights
Plantar warts are viral growths on the feet, often contracted by walking barefoot in places like gyms or around swimming pools. The virus enters the skin and forms a thick, callus-like structure. They are medically known as 'verruca plantaris' because 'plantar' refers to the sole of the foot. These are similar to warts on hands or cold sores.
Key features of a plantar wart include small black dots within the callus, which are dried blood from the wart's vascular supply. Another sign is the interruption of skin tension lines; unlike a normal callus, a wart will disrupt the natural lines on the sole of your foot, showing thick, disrupted tissue. You may have one or several, with a cluster referred to as a mosaic.
Plantar warts are contagious. If someone in the household has them, they can spread viral particles by walking barefoot. To prevent spread, affected individuals should wear flip-flops or shoes indoors, and high-traffic areas like showers should be cleaned with bleach or Lysol. Plantar warts are specific to the foot, and warts on hands are a different type; you won't get a plantar wart on your hand by touching one.
Plantar warts are more common in children and adolescents, with incidence tapering off in adults. However, adults can still get them. It's important to be aware of this higher prevalence in younger individuals.
Over-the-counter salicylic acid is a common home treatment, available in wart pads or as a liquid/paste. It should be applied according to package directions, often twice a day for four to six weeks. Home freezing kits (cryotherapy) are also available but can be painful and less effective than professional treatment due to the difficulty of sustained application.
If home treatments haven't resolved the wart within a couple of weeks to a month, it's time to see a podiatrist. Untreated warts can multiply, potentially leading to a large 'mosaic' of warts that may require surgical removal, which has a long recovery period. Early intervention is recommended to avoid more complex treatments.
In the office, a podiatrist can painlessly shave down the wart with a scalpel and apply a stronger acid. This treatment usually involves two to three visits. If this doesn't work, surgical removal may be necessary. For one or two warts, surgery is simple, done in-office under local anesthetic, and allows athletes to return to activity within a week or two. It's advisable to schedule surgery after sporting seasons.
Plantar warts are viral and contagious. They are often contracted by walking barefoot. Home treatment with salicylic acid is an option, but if warts persist or multiply, contact a doctor promptly. Early treatment prevents the need for more invasive procedures like surgery. For any questions, consult your doctor.