What causes foot warts?
Foot (plantar) warts are typically caused by a viral infection. When the viral invader enters your skin through a wound or cut, it quickly causes warts to break out. In most cases, you become infected with plantar warts by walking around barefoot on contaminated surfaces, such as in gym showers or on pool decks.
As with many types of infections, plantar warts can easily spread through direct contact or touch. Therefore, you can possibly infect someone else.
How can I tell if I have warts?
Foot warts are easy to distinguish from other types of skin infections. These wart lumps tend to grow up to an inch in circumference and often form in clusters. What makes foot warts particularly unique is that they often have a black pinpoint center, a sign of bleeding or blood clotting within the wart.
If you develop foot wart infections in weight-bearing areas, including the balls or heels of your feet, they can cause stabbing or burning pains with every step you take. Because foot wart infections can be stubborn and resistant to over-the-counter treatments, it’s important to contact Dr. Battula at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Center if you suspect that you have a wart outbreak.
How are warts treated?
Dr. Battula at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Center has experience in diagnosing and treating plantar warts, so you can start an effective treatment the same day as your evaluation. Her foot wart treatment may include:
- Antiviral creams or ointments
- Oral antiviral medications
- Anti-itch creams or powders
While foot warts are generally harmless, the infection is likely going to continue coming back without proper treatment. Occasionally, it’s a bacterial infection causing your warts, which is part of the reason it’s so important to get an expert podiatrist like Dr. Battula involved in your treatment immediately. If this is the cause of your warts, you’re probably going to need antibiotic medications.
Get started on your foot warts treatment with Dr. Battula at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Center right away. You can either request an appointment online or call the office directly.
