Warts on your feet can be painful and unattractive — not to mention contagious. Get effective treatment from expert podiatrist, Christopher O. Cook, DPM, FACFAS, at San Juan Foot and Ankle Center. The dedicated team has locations in Montrose and Delta, Colorado, to serve you with compassion and diligence. Schedule a visit online or by calling the office today.
Warts are small bumps that grow on the skin when you are infected by a virus. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, though they occur most often on the soles of the feet and are called plantar warts. They occur most often in children, teens, and older adults.
There are two types of plantar warts:
A solitary wart is a single wart. It can get bigger and may spread to other areas, causing “satellite” warts.
Mosaic warts are a cluster of smaller warts located close to one another. They are typically harder to treat than solitary warts.
Your doctors examine your feet to determine which types of warts you are experiencing and the best treatment protocol.
If you notice an unusual growth on your foot, it may be a wart. Common signs of a wart include:
Warts tend to grow slowly, but if left untreated, they can become very large and grow into the skin of your foot.
Plantar warts are caused by direct contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV causes warts in other parts of the body as well. The virus is often transmitted in places people go barefoot — like swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers.
In some cases warts go away on their own once your immune system fights off the virus. However, since warts are painful, you may want faster relief. Dr. Cook offers a variety of treatment options based on the number of warts you have and their size.
Conservative management includes treatment with topical creams and oral antiviral medications. Cantharone — also called cantharidin — is a blistering solution used to remove warts. Application of the solution is painless, though it may cause a burning sensation within three to eight hours.
If topical solutions are uncomfortable for you, Dr. Cook offers cryotherapy, acid treatment, and surgical removal, depending on the extent of your condition.
Get rid of painful and contagious warts with treatment from Dr. Cook at San Juan Foot and Ankle Center. Schedule your visit today by calling or booking online.
