What is it?

A wart is a small growth on the skin as a result of viral infection. Warts can develop anywhere on the foot and ankle, but usually appear on the sole (plantar side) of the foot and hence is commonly known as plantar’s wart.  Plantar warts can affect people of all ages but is more prevalent in children and adolescents.

Cause

The virus that causes warts enters the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. The plantar wart is usually contracted by walking barefoot on infected surfaces. The virus is often found in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, pools and spas.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to remove the wart using topical or oral medications, LASER therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), or surgical excision. Home care and consistent follow-up visits with the Doctor is important as warts may often return, requiring further treatment. Often a wart can be diagnosed on examination but certain cases require further diagnostic evaluation. Also, some malignancies can resemble warts. In such cases, a biopsy is necessary to rule out other potential causes.

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