Have you noticed hard, coarse bumps of skin on your feet? If so, you may have foot warts. Plantar warts are tough lumps that may appear on the bottom of the foot. The lumps are usually circular and have tiny black dots in the middle. Plantar warts are caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the skin. The HPV that causes plantar warts is a contagious virus that can be picked up through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or an infected person’s skin. While plantar warts may cause discomfort or pain while standing or walking, they usually do not cause any serious complications. Typical treatments for this condition includes applying topical medications or freezing the wart off. For more information about plantar warts, please consult with a podiatrist.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Robert Graser from Graser Podiatry and Bunion Surgery Institute. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Boerne, . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.