What are Plantar Warts?

A plantar wart is a small lesion or growth which occurs on the bottom, ground-facing side of the foot.

It is common for calluses to form on these warts, as well as what are known as “wart seeds.” Wart seeds are dark spots within the wart that are actually clotted blood vessels. Since these warts occur on the bottom surface of the foot, where pressure is constantly being applied, they can become painful.

Plantar warts are caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV must enter the skin through a cut or scrape, cracks in dry skin or skin that has been exposed to water for long periods of time. Since the virus thrives in warm, moist environments, it is common to contract it in areas like shower rooms, public pools and locker rooms. Wearing shoes when walking in these areas is one of the best forms of prevention.

Luckily, plantar warts aren’t very contagious, and skin-to-skin contact with someone who has plantar warts or the wart-causing HPV isn’t likely to transmit the virus.

There are several treatment options for plantar warts, such as using liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, using drugs to stimulate the immune system near the wart and laser therapy, among others. There are a lot of options, so consult with your dermatologist to see which treatment will work for you.

Plantar warts themselves aren’t particularly harmful or dangerous. However, since people may mistake more-serious conditions, such as cancerous tumors, for warts, it’s best to see a dermatologist if you believe you may have a plantar wart so that you can get a proper diagnosis.

If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.