- Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV enters the body through cuts or cracks in the skin. The American Podiatric Medical Association suggests most plantar warts are contracted by walking barefoot on dirty surfaces where the virus may be present. Children and teenagers are more likely than adults to develop plantar warts.
- Plantar warts are hard, flat and rough. They have a definite boundary. A plantar wart may be gray or brown. There will be one or more black dots within a plantar wart. These are not the roots of the wart. These dots are blood vessels. Plantar warts can spread to form clusters.
- Plantar warts may be treated at home. The Mayo Clinic suggests salicylic acid, over-the-counter wart medications or even duct tape as home treatment options. If a plantar wart causes pain or changes its appearance, consult your doctor. Your doctor may use any of the following techniques to rid you of plantar warts: freezing, minor surgery, laser surgery, prescription cream or other medications.
- If you decide to treat plantar warts at home, exercise caution. Remedies are designed to kill wart cells and can easily harm the surrounding healthy skin cells as well. The American Podiatric Medical Association warns that if you are diabetic, you should never attempt to treat warts at home.
- Prevent plantar warts from forming by avoiding exposure to your own warts and the warts of others. If you do touch a wart, wash your hands well. Wear a fresh pair of socks each day. Be sure to keep your feet clean and dry. Avoid going barefoot in any area that may harbor HPV. Do not share shoes or socks with other people.
