Warts on the feet, also known as plantar warts, can be frustrating, painful, and even embarrassing.
If you’ve been dealing with stubborn warts that won’t go away, you’re not alone. Many patients come to our office after trying multiple over-the-counter remedies with little success. The good news is you don’t have to live with warts—effective treatments are available to eliminate them and keep them from coming back.
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through small cuts or breaks on the bottom of the foot. Unlike common warts that appear on the hands or fingers, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure of standing and walking. They often develop hard, thickened skin, sometimes with tiny black dots inside (which are clotted blood vessels).
How Do You Get Warts?
HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, making public places like locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers prime locations for exposure. The virus spreads through direct contact, meaning you can get warts from touching an infected surface or even another person who has them.
Some people are more prone to developing warts than others, particularly those with weakened immune systems, excessive foot sweating, or small cuts on their feet.
Do Warts Go Away on Their Own?
Plantar warts can sometimes disappear on their own, but this process can take months—or even years. In the meantime, they can spread, become painful, and make walking uncomfortable. If a wart is causing pain, growing, or multiplying, it’s best to seek treatment rather than waiting for it to go away on its own.
How Are Warts Treated?
There are several ways to effectively remove warts, ranging from at-home treatments to professional medical procedures.
1. Prescription-Strength Topical Treatments
While drugstore wart removers may not always be effective, stronger prescription treatments with salicylic acid or other compounds can help break down the wart tissue and stimulate the immune system to fight off the virus.
2. Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)
One of the most common in-office treatments, cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing it to blister and eventually fall off. This method is quick and effective but may require multiple treatments for stubborn warts.
3. Minor Surgical Removal
In cases where other treatments fail, warts can be surgically removed under local anesthesia. This is typically reserved for persistent or severe cases.
Preventing Warts from Coming Back
Even after successful treatment, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future warts. Here’s how:
- Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and around pools.
- Keep feet clean and dry, especially if you sweat excessively.
- Avoid touching warts—on yourself or others—to prevent spreading the virus.
- Don’t share personal items like shoes, socks, or nail clippers.
- Boost your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.
You Don’t Have to Live with Warts!
If you’ve been struggling with plantar warts, don’t suffer in silence. We’ve helped many patients eliminate warts and prevent them from coming back. With the right treatment, you can say goodbye to warts for good and walk comfortably again.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward wart-free feet, schedule an appointment today!
