No Worries!

These growths may conjure up thoughts of witches and toads, but plantar warts are typically more of an annoyance than a hindrance. In fact, many people experience no pain from these benign spots on the soles of the feet. If discomfort does arise, it’s good to know that the experts at Absolute Foot Care Specialists have you covered!

Pain or No Pain, Don’t Be Embarrassed

While one tiny growth on the bottom of the foot may not cause alarm, you may be concerned and embarrassed if you notice many warts developing. This can occur in several different ways:  multiple lesions on several areas of the foot, groupings that are clumped together, or two spots on neighboring parts that have contact (e.g. between toes.) Avoiding this scenario is one reason that Dr. Levine recommends seeking treatment at the first sign of multiple growths. Don’t hide your feet—find relief with treatment at one of three Las Vegas locations.

Patients are often alarmed if they notice a dark spot in the middle of a wart, or if the skin around the area becomes thickened. The black area in the center of a lesion is known as a “seed.” It is formed when blood clots in a vessel and is not a cause for concern. Calluses typically form on pressure points of the foot where development of this condition is common and its growth is most often inward.

How did I develop this common condition on the bottom of my foot?

You have actually contracted a virus, and while that may sound disconcerting it’s quite common. The feet are prone to small cuts and breaks in the skin—the perfect opening for a viral infection to enter. Some people are surprised to learn that the cause of a plantar wart is HPV or the human papillomavirus. Linked to serious medical conditions in other parts of the body, it does not travel throughout your system when the feet are the entry point. In other words, HPV that affects the feet remains in the feet.

Still wondering how your soles came into contact with a viral infection? It’s not typical for this strain of HPV to be passed from person to person, so the most likely scenario is transmission through contact at a public place. For instance, if you’ve been barefoot in a locker room, shower, or even poolside—you have likely been exposed. These warm, damp places offer a virus everything that it needs to grow and multiply. Once contracted, the virus can be spread to other parts of the feet through contact. Avoid touching or scratching the area, and always wash your hands thoroughly if contact does occur.

Anyone can develop a wart on the bottom of the foot. However, people with a compromised immune system are more susceptible. Children also have a higher occurrence.

Plantar Warts: To Treat or Not to Treat?

Google this term and you’re likely to find many “home remedies” for the treatment of these lesions. However, there are many reasons to seek expert podiatric care. This condition can be difficult to treat if allowed to spread and they often reoccur. Early intervention can prevent the embarrassment and discomfort of multiple growths. Some over-the-counter acids can damage the skin, so beware. Don’t endure pain unnecessarily—let our team end your foot pain now!

Diabetics and patients with autoimmune disorders should never treat foot conditions at home, since serious infections can result. Also, keep in mind that a growth could be something other than a wart. Cancerous lesions must be detected early, so don’t ignore suspicious areas on the skin.

Dr. Levine will have you back on your feet quickly. We understand that your time is valuable—that’s why we strive to be on time, every time you visit one of our Las Vegas offices. Treat your feet to the care they deserve. Call today or schedule an appointment online.