Sydney Allied
Podiatry 

Plantar Warts

Plantar Wart also known as 'Verruca' or 'Papilloma' are a common skin lesion caused by a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the skin. 

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Warts can come in all shapes and sizes. 

When you look at a wart, they may look like a hard and dry area of callus, with small black dots in the centre, which may bleed easily when agitated.

On a finger of other part of the body, they will appear to have a 'cauliflower' like appearance. However, pressure from walking and footwear make those on the feet have a more flat profile.

Whilst most warts are pain free in day to day life, warts on 'weight bearing' areas such as the ball of the foot or heels, can be painful and uncomfortable. Even more so when it develops increasingly more callus over the top of the wart.

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Anyone can get warts. Nonetheless, there are factors that can increase the chances of contracting the virus, including:

• Adolescence

• Weakened immune systems due to disease or with medication

• Compromised skin, such as having cuts or abrasions that can be portal of entry for the virus

• Walking barefoot in communal showers/ areas

• Having direct contact with another infected person

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When to see a podiatrist

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Warts can actually go away by themselves as your body combats the virus, however it can take months or even years especially if you have a weakened immune system. 

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It is generally time to seek treatment if the wart is causing pain, has been present for a number of months, or there is concern over passing on the virus to others.

Seeing a podiatrist can also help properly diagnose and treat the lesions, as they can appear similar to a number of skin ailments seen commonly on the feet.

In the case of painful warts, we can assist in offloading the area in a way that you can return to activities comfortably.

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