What Causes Warts? Erie Podiatrist Bay City Associates
http://eriepodiatrists.comMost 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. A wart, however, 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. 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 and are one of
several soft tissue conditions that can be quite painful. 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. 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. 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.
To prevent the spread of warts, follow these tips:
•Avoid direct contact with warts, both from other persons or from other parts of the body.
•Avoid walking barefoot, except on sandy beaches.
•Change your shoes and socks daily.
•Check your children's feet periodically.
•Keep your feet clean and dry.
It is important to note that warts can be very resistant to treatment and have a tendency to
reoccur. 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.
Visit our website:
http://eriepodiatrists.com
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