Warts are caused by a virus that infects and takes over some skin cells, causing a lump that may look a bit like the surface of a cauliflower rather than normal smooth skin. On the bottom of the feet, due to the pressure on them from standing, they can be flatter, and are called Plantar Warts. Despite common belief, Warts do not have roots. They are surface skin cells that have been infected by the ‘Papilloma’ or Wart virus. Often a hard layer of skins forms over the area in Plantar Warts. This can make diagnosis tricky as it may look like a Corn. (See Corn and Callus brochure). Objects lodged in the skin and scars can sometimes present in similar ways to Corns and Warts on the bottom of a foot. It is recommended to have a Podiatrist make a diagnosis before any treatment is commenced. The treatment is not the same for Corns and Warts!
Why have I got a Wart?
It is possible to catch Warts from a surface where others with Warts have been walking. Swimming pools, change rooms and shared showers are common places. Warts tend to infect areas of the skin subject to pressure. The wart virus can enter through tiny breaks in the skin or roughened pressure areas on the soles of the feet or hands. People with reduced immunity and children are most likely to catch the wart virus.
What will happen to Warts?
1.Warts are common in children and will sometimes disappear as their immune system matures. This is when the body recognises the wart by responding with the normal defence mechanisms it uses to protect itself from other viruses, bacteria and other organisms.
2.It may stay the same size, be painful or non-painful, with or without a covering of hard skin.
3.It may increase in size.
4.It may spread with smaller warts occurring around the area.
5.Other Warts may appear in other areas of the feet, hands or on other skin. The virus that causes genital warts is a different wart virus. Seek medical advice for genital warts.
What should I do if I have a Wart?
There are many treatments available for Warts. If you think you may have a Wart on your foot, the first thing to do is to see our podiatrist and have it diagnosed correctly. If the Wart is painful, it is due to pressure from weight bearing on the Wart. Warts on non-pressure areas are not painful. Relief can be gained by a pressure deflecting innersole which offloads the area.
Surgery for Warts
Discuss this with our Podiatrist for more information.