Warts are small growths that may occur anywhere on the body. Plantar is a term derived from a Latin phrase which means the sole of the foot. Plantar warts therefore are those that occur on the soles of the feet.

Warts are caused by your body’s reaction to a viral infection that penetrates the skin of the foot. Once there it may remain for many months before causing the development of the wart itself. Because of the pressure of body weight during walking, plantar warts tend to grow inward and develop hard callused tissue over them. Therefore they often are confused with corns or calluses.

Warts contain many blood vessels and nerve endings, and can bleed profusely when cut. It is recommended that you never attempt to cut or trim a wart. Pressure against the nerve endings can produce considerable pain.

Warts can spread from one part of your body to another and may occur singularly or in clusters, and range in size from a small pinhead to larger than a half dollar.

Warts occur more commonly in younger age groups. It seems a certain degree of resistance or immunity is acquired by adulthood. Certain persons are more prone to develop warts, and it appears to be related to their general body defense mechanisms and immunity status.

The best treatment for plantar warts destroys the wart with little or no pain, encourages the body’s immune response and allows the skin and tissues of the foot to heal unchanged at the end of treatment. Many chemicals and acids can stimulate this response. Warts also can be destroyed by freezing with dry ice or liquid nitrogen, or by laser or surgical removal. In general it is best to avoid surgical removal on the ball of the foot or the heel, since this may produce a permanent painful scar. Effective treatment depends on some help from the body’s immune system.

In children, the least painful treatment usually is employed first. If the warts are resistant, it may take several treatments to destroy them. This still is preferable to surgical excision, which may result in permanent painful scar tissue.

It is best to discuss the method of treatment available with your podiatrist, since each case may have special requirements.

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