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 they typically appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts most commonly occur in children, adolescents and the elderly.

Plantar warts are caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is the same virus that causes warts on other areas of the body.

The symptoms of a plantar wart may include: Thickened skin, pain, tiny black dots

To diagnose a plantar wart, your foot doctor will examine the patient’s foot and look for signs and symptoms of a wart.

The goal of treatment is to completely remove the wart. Your foot doctor may use topical or oral treatments, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), acid treatments or surgery to remove the wart.

If there is no response to treatment, further diagnostic evaluation may be necessary. In such cases, the foot doctor can perform a biopsy to rule out other potential causes for the growth.

Although many folk remedies for warts exist, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous. Patients should never try to remove warts themselves. This can do more harm than good.

Here at Dearborn Foot and Ankle, we are specialized in the treatment of a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions.

Come see us, we will be happy to go over your treatment options.

Contact us today for an appointment or to learn more.