Plantar Warts

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What Is A Plantar Wart?

Warts are thick, rough growths on the skin caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). When they develop on the sole of the foot, they are referred to as plantar warts and can sometimes cause discomfort.
Plantar wart under plantar metatarsal area one left foot, redness surrounding the area

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What Causes Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact, either by touching an infected person or by sharing floors, shoes, or socks with someone carrying the virus. This makes it easy for warts to spread within families if proper precautions aren’t taken. Once contracted, the virus remains in your body for life, even if no warts are currently visible. Because the virus spreads so easily, it’s important to start treatment for plantar warts as soon as possible.

While plantar warts can occur at any age, they are more commonly seen in children, likely because their immune systems are still developing.

Plantar Wart Symptoms

Plantar warts are generally not a major health risk but can cause significant pain and discomfort when located in high-pressure areas such as the heel, the ball of the foot, or under the toes. This discomfort can make everyday activities like walking, running, or jumping painful, as the thickened wart presses on the sensitive nerves beneath the skin. To avoid the pain, you may unconsciously alter the way you walk, which can lead to strain and discomfort in other parts of the body.
 
Even a small wart can create a big problem. If pain continues, consider contacting a podiatrist at Priority Podiatry Clinic for effective plantar wart treatment.

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Phone: 07 5510 9222

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Located Within Toowoomba Medical Centre, 146 Drayton Road, Harristown QLD 4350

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Located Within Marsden Family Doctors, Shop 28/55-77 Chambers Flat Rd, Marsden QLD 4132

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Located Within Ochre Medical Centre Wyalla, Shop 20, 238 Taylor Street, Newtown QLD 4350

Is It A Corn or Wart?

Warts and corns may appear similar at first, leading to confusion and misdiagnosis by both individuals attempting at-home treatments and some healthcare providers. Since these conditions require different approaches, it is important to seek a podiatrist’s advice to ensure you’re treating the correct issue.

To accurately identify a wart, the thick callus that often covers it must be removed first. This is a common step that many overlook, resulting in misdiagnosis. If it is a wart, you will notice:

  • A rough, uneven texture in the wart tissue
  • Pain when squeezing the wart
  • Small black dots (which are dried blood vessels) within the wart
  • Bleeding when the callus or top layer of the wart is removed
  • The skin’s natural lines will curve around the wart, rather than through it

Preventing Plantar Warts

Here are some tips to help prevent plantar warts:

  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as changing rooms and showers.
  • Change your shoes and socks every day.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry.
  • Regularly check your children’s feet and treat any warts before they can spread to others.
  • Avoid direct contact with warts on others or on different parts of your body.
  • Do not overlook any unusual growths or changes in your skin.
  • If you notice any lumps or sores on your feet, visit a podiatrist right away

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