What is the most effective treatment for plantar warts?

Topical treatment with salicylic acid is often regarded as a first-line approach to treating plantar warts. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent and works by debriding the skin. Salicylic acid 27% gel (general sale) should be carefully applied to the wart, once daily.

How deep do plantar warts grow?

If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to 1 inch in circumference and may spread into clusters called mosaic warts. In severe cases, they can cause a change in gait or posture that results in leg or back pain–our job is to make sure that doesn’t happen.

What happens if you don’t treat plantar warts?

Why are plantar warts so painful?

One of the biggest reasons plantar warts are so painful is because of their location. As growths form on the sole of your foot, you add pressure to the wart every time you walk, stand, or engage in physical activity.

What causes plantar warts on feet?

Plantar warts are caused by an infection with HPV in the outer layer of skin on the soles of your feet. They develop when the virus enters your body through tiny cuts, breaks or other weak spots on the bottoms of your feet. The HPV strains that cause plantar warts aren’t highly contagious.

How to get rid of a plantar wart?

Both require multiple treatments over several weeks to get rid of the wart or warts. Salicylic acid is available over the counter. You can use it at home. Follow the directions on the packaging, and expect to apply the medication for at least 12 weeks. found that treating a plantar wart at home was just as effective as treatment by a doctor.

What are plaque plantar warts?

Plantar warts are small growths that usually appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of your feet. This pressure may also cause plantar warts to grow inward beneath a hard, thick layer of skin (callus).

Can you get plantar warts from a family member?

Even people in the same family react to the virus differently. The HPV strains that cause plantar warts aren’t highly contagious. So the virus isn’t easily transmitted by direct contact from one person to another. But it thrives in warm, moist environments.