Warts

Plantar warts are cauliflower-like growths that typically appear on the heels and bottom of the feet. Warts can also appear on the top of the toes and lower legs. These growths are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are very common. The virus enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, that are on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts are more likely to affect children and teenagers, and people who walk barefoot in environments exposed to a wart-causing virus (for example; pools, gyms).

If you suspect you have plantar warts, you may have the following symptoms: pain or tenderness while walking, a lesion that interrupts the ridges in the skin of your foot, small fleshy lesions on the bottom of the foot, or a callus that seems to be getting bigger.

If you have plantar warts, most times over the counter treatments do not work. A proper evaluation is recommended, possibly debridement or shaving of the lesion and treatment with topical medications, laser therapy, and surgical procedures.