Warts

What causes warts on my feet?

Warts that develop between your toes and along the balls of your feet — or any other areas of your feet — are usually caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This viral invader can sneak into your skin in spots where you have the tiniest cut or abrasion.

In most cases, you come into contact with HPV by walking barefoot in an environment where the virus thrives, like a pool deck or gym locker room. These areas tend to be warm and moist, which are ideal grounds for viruses to thrive. Your chances of developing warts when you come into contact with HPV increase due to:

• Having a weakened immune system
• Wearing sweaty socks or shoes
• Prior history of plantar warts

Although anyone of any age can develop foot warts, you have a higher risk if you’re younger — warts are common among teens — or if you’re older.

Do foot warts cause pain?

Not always. Usually, in the beginning, you start noticing small, fleshy bumps developing. These growths tend to have black pinpoint centers, which indicates that blood vessels have clotted inside (a clear sign of warts).

The more you continue walking on warts, the more likely they are to start growing into your skin. This can result in hard, thickened calluses forming over them, which can certainly start becoming painful and tender.

Because warts can be difficult to treat and can even spread to other areas of your body, schedule an evaluation at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center as soon as you start noticing a wart outbreak.

How are foot warts treated?

Dr. Rivera spends time evaluating your feet and talks with you about how foot warts develop, what you can do to prevent them, and what she can do to treat your current infection. Depending on the severity of your foot wart outbreak, your treatment plan may include:

• Prescription-strength topical salicylic acid
• Pulsed-dye laser treatments
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Oral antiviral drugs

Sometimes the best solution for getting rid of foot warts is minor surgery. This procedure, known as an electrodesiccation and curettage, begins with numbing your treatment area. Dr. Rivera uses a specialized electric needle to carefully cut away your warts and destroy the viral infection on the spot.

Before your foot warts spread or worsen, get started on treatment at Aesthetic Podiatry & Sports Medicine Center. Click on the online scheduler to book your exam, or call the clinic directly.