What is a Wart?
A wart is a small growth on the skin that develops when the skin is infected by a virus. Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts most commonly occur in children, adolescents, and the elderly.
Symptoms of Warts
There are several symptoms that may indicate a wart:
- Small, fleshy, rough, grainy growth on the foot.
- Hard, thickened skin (callus) over a well-defined “spot” on the skin, where a wart has grown inward.
- Black pinpoints, which are commonly called wart seeds but are actually small, clotted blood vessels.
- Pain or discomfort when walking or standing.
Diagnosing Warts
Diagnosis of a wart typically involves a physical examination. Your doctor may need to pare the wart to see the “wart seeds” or perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Possible Treatments for Warts
There are several treatment options for warts:
- Medication: Salicylic acid or similar medications can be applied to the wart to gradually peel it away.
- Cryotherapy: This treatment involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.
- Laser treatment: This treatment uses a laser to burn and destroy the wart tissue.
- Surgery: In some cases, the wart may need to be cut away.
Next Steps
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a wart, it’s important to seek professional help. At Sharma Foot & Ankle Specialist, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care for your foot and ankle needs.
Don’t let foot discomfort hold you back. Reach out and make an appointment with us today. Your feet will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a plantar wart?
A plantar wart is a small growth on the skin that develops when the skin is infected by a virus. While warts can appear anywhere on the foot, they typically show up on the bottom (plantar side), where pressure from walking can press them inward. They are most common in children, adolescents, and the elderly.
How do I know if I have a plantar wart?
Common signs include a small, fleshy, rough, grainy growth on the foot and hard, thickened skin (a callus) over a well-defined spot where the wart has grown inward. You may also notice tiny black pinpoints, often called wart seeds, which are actually small clotted blood vessels. Many people feel pain or discomfort when walking or standing on the area.
What are those little black dots in my plantar wart?
Those small black pinpoints are commonly called wart seeds, but they are actually tiny clotted blood vessels within the wart. They are a typical feature of plantar warts and can help a doctor confirm the diagnosis. A podiatrist may gently pare the wart to see these more clearly.
How are plantar warts treated?
There are several options, and the right choice depends on the wart and your situation. These can include medication such as salicylic acid applied to gradually peel the wart away, cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), laser treatment to destroy the wart tissue, and in some cases minor surgery to cut the wart away. A podiatrist can help you decide which approach is most appropriate.
How are plantar warts diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination of the foot by your doctor. In some cases the doctor may pare the wart to see the wart seeds, or perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This helps distinguish a wart from other growths or a simple callus.
When should I see a podiatrist for a plantar wart?
It is a good idea to seek professional help if you have a growth on your foot that is painful, spreading, or not improving, since warts can be hard to treat on your own and other conditions can look similar. At Sharma Foot & Ankle Specialist in Plano, TX, the team provides personalized care for foot and ankle concerns, including plantar warts. You can book an appointment online to have it evaluated and discuss your treatment options.