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!