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Warts

Our Foot and Ankle Services

A wart is caused by a viral infection which invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. Foot warts are generally raised and fleshy and can appear anywhere on the foot or toes.

Warts

What is a wart?

  • Most foot warts are harmless, even though they may be painful.
  • They are often mistaken for corns or calluses, which are layers of dead skin that build up to protect an area which is being continuously irritated.
  • Occasionally, warts can spontaneously disappear after a short time, and then, just as frequently, they recur in the same location.
  • If left untreated, warts can grow to an inch or more in circumference and can spread into clusters of warts.
  • Children, especially teenagers, tend to be more susceptible to warts than adults.
  • Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, appear on the soles of the feet.
  • Unlike other foot warts, plantar warts tend to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries.
  • They are often gray or brown (but the color may vary), with a center that appears as one or more pinpoints of black. 

Prevention of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are often contracted by walking barefoot on dirty surfaces or littered ground. The virus that causes plantar warts thrives in warm, moist environments, making infection a common occurrence in public pools and locker rooms. Like any other infectious lesion, plantar warts are spread by touching, scratching, or even by contact with skin shed from another wart. The wart may also bleed, another route for spreading. To prevent the spread of warts, follow these tips:

Avoid Direct Contact

  • Avoid contact with warts both from other persons or from other parts of the body.

Protect Your Feet

  • Avoid walking barefoot, except on sandy beaches.
  • Change your shoes and socks daily

Check Your Feet

  • Keep your feet clean and dry 
  • Check your feet and your children’s feet periodically.

Symptoms of Warts

Plantar warts that develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot (the ball or heel of the foot) can cause a sharp, burning pain. Pain occurs when weight is brought to bear directly on the wart, although pressure on the side of a wart can create equally intense pain.

Treatment of Warts

It is important to note that warts can be very resistant to treatment and have a tendency to recur. Over-the-counter foot wart treatments are usually ineffective because their use can inadvertently destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Please contact our office for help in effectively treating warts. Our practice is expert in recommending the best treatment for each patient, ranging from prescription ointments or medications to, in the most severe cases, laser cautery.

Idaho Foot & Ankle Center

IDAHO FALLS OFFICE

1540 Elk Creek Dr. Idaho Falls, ID 83404

P: (208) 529-8393

F: 208.529.8398

Hours:

MON 8AM-5PM | TUES 7AM-3PM

WED-THURS 8AM-5PM | FRI 8AM-12PM

REXBURG OFFICE

72 E Main Street

Rexburg, ID 83440

P: (208) 356-9466

Hours:

TUES-THURS 8AM-4PM

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