What causes foot warts?
Foot warts (plantar warts) begin developing when human papillomavirus (HPV) enters your skin. The HPV strain that causes foot warts is most commonly found in warm, moist areas, such as the communal shower or sauna at the gym.
Walking barefoot in these types of areas can increase your chances of contracting wart-causing HPV. Your risk of struggling with a foot wart outbreak is also high if you:
- Have a history of foot warts
- Are younger in age (warts are common in adolescents)
- Have a weakened immune system or poor blood circulation
Warts can be stubborn to treat and can develop into clusters, so it’s important to have them evaluated by a trained podiatrist, rather than trying to treat them on your own.
How are foot warts treated?
Your wart treatment plan from North Star Foot & Ankle Associates depends on the severity of your warts and any related symptoms, like pain or tenderness. Treating foot warts can include:
- Prescription-strength topical salicylic acid
- Excision surgery
North Star Foot & Ankle Associates also provides cantharidin treatments. This wart treatment involves painting a cantharidin solution on top of your wart. This causes a blister to form under your wart, which makes it easier for your podiatrist to remove the wart entirely.
Can I prevent foot warts?
You may not be able to prevent every case of warts, but there are certainly several steps you can take to lower risk. The expert podiatry team at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates recommends:
- Changing your socks daily
- Keeping your feet clean and dry
- Letting your gym shoes air out overnight
- Avoiding sharing socks or shoes with others
- Always wearing shower shoes in damp communal areas
It’s also important to avoid sharing pedicure tools, such as a pumice stone or emery board. If you go to a nail salon for pedicures, make sure the tools they’re using are one-time-use only or are disinfected, or bring your own.
Your dedicated podiatrist at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates can teach you other simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of a future foot wart outbreak.
If you have a case of foot warts, get started on treatment at North Star Foot & Ankle Associates right away. Click on the online scheduler or call to book an appointment.
