Plantar warts develop on the soles of your feet when the human papillomavirus enters through small cuts or breaks in your skin. Unlike other warts that grow outward, plantar warts grow inward into your foot tissue. They can cause discomfort when walking or applying pressure to the affected area. Here is how to identify these warts to help you seek appropriate treatment before they spread or multiply:
Rough Texture
The surface of a plantar wart typically feels rough and bumpy to the touch. When you run your finger across it, the texture differs noticeably from the smooth skin around it. This roughness comes from the thickened skin that forms over the wart. The surrounding area may also develop callused skin as your body tries to protect itself from the viral growth beneath.
Look for areas where the skin appears raised and feels coarse. The wart’s surface may have an irregular, bumpy pattern. Normal skin has a consistent texture and color, while plantar warts create obvious disruptions in your foot’s surface.
Black Dots in Center
Small black or dark brown dots may appear in the center of plantar warts. These dots are actually tiny blood vessels that have become clotted due to the wart’s growth. You might see just one dot or several scattered throughout the wart’s surface.
The dots help distinguish plantar warts from calluses or corns. Calluses typically have a uniform appearance without these dark specks. If you notice black dots within a rough patch of skin on your foot, you’re likely dealing with a plantar wart rather than other foot conditions.
Topical & Oral Medications
Over-the-counter topicals typically come in liquid, gel, or patch form. These medications work by gradually dissolving the wart tissue. You can apply them directly to the wart after soaking your foot and removing dead skin with a pumice stone or emery board. Prescription medications may include stronger topical treatments or oral drugs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe additional medicines that work in different ways to help your immune system fight the virus.
Professional Cryotherapy
Medical professionals may use liquid nitrogen to freeze plantar warts during cryotherapy treatments. The extreme cold destroys the wart tissue and the surrounding infected cells. The procedure is typically fast, though you may need multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart.
After treatment, a blister forms over the wart area as it heals. This blister eventually scabs over and falls off, taking the wart tissue with it. Some discomfort occurs during and after the procedure, but most people tolerate it well. Your doctor may provide aftercare instructions for the treated area.
Get Treated for Warts
Plantar warts may resolve with proper identification and treatment. Home remedies may work for small, recently developed warts, while established or multiple warts typically require professional intervention. Don’t ignore persistent warts that cause pain or interfere with your daily activities. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist or dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked after several months. Professional treatment options provide more effective results for stubborn warts. Take action now to address your plantar warts.
