Plantar warts, also known as Verruca plantaris, are warts caused by HPV that typically appear on one’s toes or the sole of the feet. Plantar warts are caused by infection by Human papilloma virus types 1, 2, 4 or 63, and these types are classified as clinical or visible symptoms. These plantar warts are benign epithelial tumors that may not become visible for many weeks or months. The virus comes from direct contact through the skin. It may enter through little cuts or abrasions in the outermost layer of skin. A plantar wart can be painful if left untreated. Not all warts cause pain though.
According to research about 7-10% of the US population is estimated to be infected, and this infection most commonly occurs from walking in moist surfaces like showers or swimming pools. The virus is highly contagious because it can survive several months without a host.
Plantar warts sort of resemble cauliflower with tiny black petechiae in the middle. If scratched bleeding may occur and they can also become painful when standing or walking.
To avoid getting these types of warts avoid walking barefoot on moist walking surfaces, especially in public areas. This means wearing flip flops or water shoes to places like Six Flags and Hurricane Harbour or gym showers. To avoid spreading these warts, if you already have them, you can wear a bandage over it when swimming, not share towels and wear flips flops or sandals when using communal showers.
While treatment may not eliminate the HPV infection causing the warts, there are some treatments effective in addressing the symptoms of the virus. Surgical excision, salicylic acid and cryosurgery are a few options. There is also Wartrol natural wart treatment. It’s a liquid solution applied directly to the infected areas. The ingredients of this herbal wart remover are FDA approved and is clinically proven to heal warts. Wartrol can be bought over the counter at any local pharmacy. Try using this medicine to treat your verruca (plantar) warts.