Warts

What are warts?

Warts are skin growths that develop from infection with HPV, a highly contagious virus. When you come in contact with HPV, it triggers the growth of flesh-colored, rough bumps on the surface of your skin.

There are many types of warts. Doctors classify warts by appearance and location. Warts can develop anywhere on your body but are commonly found on the hands, face, and feet.

Warts that develop on the feet are known as plantar warts. 

What are the symptoms of plantar warts?

Plantar warts are warts found on the soles of your feet. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts grow into the sole of your foot. Symptoms of plantar warts include:

• Rough, callus-like skin on the ball or heel of your foot
• Pain at the site of the callus, especially when standing or walking
• Disruption in the usual pattern of ridges on your toes or feet
• The appearance of a black dot in the center of the rough spot

You may have one plantar wart or a cluster of plantar warts.

When should I seek podiatry care for plantar warts?

You can treat your plantar warts with over-the-counter medication. However, you should get help from the experts at Meridian Podiatry if your warts fail to improve within a few weeks of at-home care.

The team also recommends you get help for your plantar warts if you have several warts on your feet or they cause pain that makes it hard to walk or stand.

Meridian Podiatry also specializes in diabetic foot care. So if you have diabetes and plantar warts, you should come in right away before using at-home wart treatments. 

How are warts treated?

Dr. Robinson and the Meridian Podiatry team offer many innovative treatments for warts. They customize your plan based on the number of warts you have and your symptoms.

Treatment for warts may include:

• Salicylic acid 
• Cryotherapy (freezing the warts)
• Surgical shaving to remove the growths
• Electrodesiccation and curettage (minor surgical wart removal)

Meridian Podiatry also offers Swift therapy for plantar warts. Swift therapy uses advanced technology to effectively treat even the most difficult plantar warts with little to no pain. 

The innovative tool uses low-dose microwave energy to treat the underlying HPV causing your skin growth by stimulating your body’s natural immune response to the virus.

With Swift therapy, the team recommends 3-4 treatments set at four-week intervals. Each treatment takes 5-10 minutes.

For effective removal of your warts, call Meridian Podiatry or schedule a consultation online today.

Swift Therapy