Plantar warts

What are plantar warts?

Ouch!

Warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be quite painful.

They are caused by a virus, called Human Papilloma Virus or (HPV).

The virus generally invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. They can appear anywhere on the skin, but, technically, only those on the sole are properly called plantar warts.

Children, especially teenagers, athletes and geriatric patients tend to be more susceptible to warts.

Source of the Virus

The plantar wart is often contracted by walking barefoot on dirty surfaces or littered ground where the virus is lurking. The causative virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making infection a

When plantar warts develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot—the ball of the foot, or the heel, for example—they can be the source of sharp, burning pain. Pain occurs when weight is brought to bear directly and with side to side squeeze of the lesion.common occurrence in public showers, exercise facilities, swimming pools and NAIL SALONS.

If left untreated, warts can grow to an inch or more in circumference and can spread into clusters of several warts; these are often called mosaic warts.  Like any other infectious lesion, plantar warts are spread by frictional pressure, scratching, or even by contact with skin shed from another wart. The wart may also bleed, another route for spreading.

Plantar warts tend to be hard and flat, or involuted with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries; warts are generally raised and fleshier when they appear on the top of the foot or on the toes.

When plantar warts develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot—the ball of the foot, or the heel, for example—they can be the source of sharp, burning pain. Pain occurs when weight is brought to bear directly and with side to side squeeze of the lesion. Pain may also occur with shoe wear or while in bed from the weight of the blankets.

Identification Problems

Warts are a nuisance and minor epidemic in Northern California. They may or may not be painful. They are often mistaken for corns or calluses— 🤯! Calluses are layers of dead skin that build up, naturally in effort to protect the underlying area of the foot or toes from excessive pressure from walking or other activities.

Usually by the time you notice you have a new growth you have already been infected for 3-6 months.

Got nail fungus too?

Warts can allow other opportunistic skin conditions to coexist. Fungus, yeast, and or bacteria that live on the body naturally thrive near wart infected skin due to the extra layers of abnormal skin growth that stay wet after bathing or sweating resulting in secondary infections of athletes foot, yeast infections between toes, ingrown toenails and toenail fungus.

This highlights an important clinical observation by Dr. Dix:

What appears to be treatment-resistant nail fungus might actually have a wart as the primary underlying cause. The wart's invasion of the nail bed disrupts normal nail growth, creating an environment where fungus can then thrive. The presence of debris under the nail ("toe jam") can be a feature of both conditions, making initial diagnosis challenging.

Therefore, in cases of suspected nail fungus that don't respond to typical antifungal treatments, it's crucial to consider the possibility of an underlying wart infection. A biopsy, as Dr. Dix utilized, can be essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Treating the wart may be necessary to resolve the nail issues and prevent recurrent fungal infections.

Professional Treatment

Dr. Dix will prescribe and supervise your use of wart medications.

Lasers have become a common and effective treatment. Dr. Dix often employs an in office surgical procedure with pinpoint laser ablation which can be performed with or without local anesthesia. It's most effective after serial exfoliation and sharp debridement or shaving of the wart.

The laser reduces post-treatment scarring and is a safe form for eliminating wart lesions and is also effective against nail fungus.

Other potential treatment modalities may include but not limited to: topical salicylic acid, freezing, burning, chemical therapy, oral medications, and various homeopathic remedies.

There is no immediate cure. The objective is to stimulate the immune system to irridicate the virus. Dr. Dix's method is slow and steady, and sometimes tedious. Patients report less pain during and after office treatments, and lasting protection from future wart infection.

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Dr. Dix's TIPS for Prevention

**Don't ignore a painful callus!

● Avoid walking barefoot in public except on sandy beaches.

● Change shoes and socks daily.

● Keep feet clean and dry.

● Check children's feet periodically.

● Avoid direct contact with warts—from other persons or from other parts of the body. Wash skin immediately in case of exposure.

● Boost your immune health: You can win the battle with warts by making dietary choices that are immune boosters. Proper balanced nutrition and adequate sleep is important for the healing process.

● Diabetics and other patients with circulatory, immunological or neurological problems should be

especially careful with the treatment of their warts.

● Visit your podiatric physician as part of your annual health checkup. Warts may spread and are catching. Make sure you have your warts evaluated to protect yourself and those close to you.