Warts

A plantar wart is a virus, often contracted by walking barefoot on dirty ground or in warm, moist environments, such as public swimming facilities. Plantar warts are one of several soft tissue conditions that can become painful.

If left untreated, warts can grow and the virus can spread. Plantar warts are spread by touching or scratching a wart, or through contact with skin shed from a wart. If a wart bleeds, this can also spread the virus. You may develop clusters of warts, called mosaic warts.

Symptoms and Appearance

Most warts are harmless, but they can be painful. When warts develop on the sole of the foot, they can cause a sharp, burning pain.

Plantar warts tend to be hard and flat 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. Plantar warts are often grey or brown (though the colour can vary), with a centre that appears as one or more pinpoints of black.

So, what should you do if you have a wart?

Come and see one of our friendly Podiatrists to
get it treated

Avoid walking barefoot, except on sandy beaches

Change your shoes and socks daily

Keep your feet clean and dry

Avoid direct contact with warts, both from other people and other parts of your body

Sometimes, small warts can spontaneously disappear. However, warts often require treatment. Some warts can be very resistant to treatment and some tend to reoccur. Early intervention is best and working with a Podiatrist is the most effective way to treat a wart.

WART TREATMENT

at Merivale Podiatry

Recent medical research shows that a course of treatment with Upton’s Paste is the most effective solution for warts. We offer treatment plans that use Upton’s Paste. However, everyone is different, and there are various ways to treat warts, so your Podiatrist will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.