Wart Removal

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, especially at weight-bearing areas like the heels and balls of the foot. They consist of thick, rough thickenings caused by a viral skin infection. Two types exist: solitary warts (single lesion that may multiply) and mosaic warts (clusters of small warts in one area, more difficult to resolve).

Causes

Warts are viral in nature — they are the manifestation and growth of a contagious virus known as HPV (Human Papillomavirus). The virus enters through small skin cuts and spreads internally. There are over 60 different strains of HPV; HPV 1, 2, 4, and 63 are associated with plantar warts. Transmission occurs through direct contact or communal areas like locker rooms and bathrooms.

Symptoms

• Thick, callus-like growths on weight-bearing areas
• Pain when standing or walking
• Black dots (clotted blood vessels) visible in the wart
• Single warts or clusters (mosaic)

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

• Cryotherapy: Extremely cold solution to freeze and kill the virus — requires multiple office visits
• Acid application: Chemical treatment requiring follow-up appointments
• Injection therapy: Bleomycin or interferon-alpha injected to attack viral DNA
• Cantharidin: Applied to skin and covered with a bandage

Laser & Surgical

• Laser surgery: Intense beam of light burns and destroys wart tissue or cauterizes feeding blood vessels
• Electrodesiccation and curettage: Electric needle removes wart tissue under local anesthesia
• Blade removal: Surgical excision under anesthesia