Plantar Warts: What Causes Them & How to Get Rid of Them

Plantar warts can be embarrassing. They can also irritate you when you put on your socks and shoes. Your podiatrist can help you get rid of warts for good. Dr. Brandi Myers at Sellwood Podiatry in Portland, OR, offers a full range of foot and ankle services, including treatment of plantar warts.

What You Need To Know About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are warts on your feet. They can look like a callus, growing in clusters or groups. The most common areas for plantar warts to grow are in the ridges of the feet, the toes, heels, and forefeet.

Plantar warts are caused by skin exposure to a virus. One of the best ways to prevent plantar warts is to avoid going barefoot. Always wear footwear, especially in public areas.

If you develop plantar warts, you may be tempted to try over-the-counter methods to get rid of warts. The only problem is that some treatments don’t work, and plantar warts can grow back. A much better solution is to seek out professional treatment from your podiatrist.

Your podiatrist will begin with a thorough examination of your feet and make recommendations for ways to treat and remove your plantar warts. Common treatment methods include:

• Topical salicylic acid solution to remove the wart one layer at a time
• Liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart so it dries up
• Pulse dye laser treatment to kill the blood vessels supplying the wart
• Surgical removal or cutting out the wart completely

Plantar wart treatment may require a few weeks to eliminate the wart. A plantar wart may return if treatment is not followed consistently. For liquid nitrogen treatment, you may need 2-3 visits. If laser treatment is used, you may need 1-3 treatments to eliminate the wart. If your podiatrist has surgically removed the wart, try to stay off your feet for the first day and avoid putting pressure or stress on the treatment area to allow the area to heal.

Want To Know More About Plantar Warts?

To find out more about the causes and treatment of plantar warts, call Dr. Brandi Myers at Sellwood Podiatry in Portland, OR. She offers convenient in-office and telehealth appointments. Call (503) 235-8594 to reach her in the office today.