What To Do About Warts

Although almost everyone is likely to have a wart at some point or another in their life, warts can be embarrassing — both to have and to discuss with your doctor. It’s especially frustrating when you don’t know how to get rid of one of these bothersome bumps.   

The board-certified podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, are wart specialists who know how to treat your warts and make them a thing of the past. We also know how frustrating having warts can be. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand what to do about warts. Read on to learn more!   

What are plantar warts?

Warts are a growth that develop on your skin when your body is exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV). When they grow on the sole of your foot, they’re called plantar warts. Signs and symptoms of a plantar wart include:

• A rough, grainy, or fleshy growth on the bottom of your foot
• Calloused, hard skin over a bump or spot 
• A growth that changes the skin on your foot
• Pain, irritation, or tenderness when standing or walking

Plantar warts can grow in clusters, called mosaic warts, or as one single wart that may continue to grow larger and larger. Because your weight bears down on the soles of your feet, plantar warts can grow inward under the calloused layers of skin on the bottoms of your feet.    

What can I do about my warts?

Warts can be embarrassing and unsightly, causing you to avoid wearing sandals or going barefoot at the pool or beach. Here are some things you can do to help banish warts for good: 

Be mindful of spreading the virus

If you have plantar warts it’s important to remember they are highly contagious! Warts can be passed between people through indirect contact (e.g., sharing shoes, or touching the same towel or bathmat) and direct contact. If you have a wart, be mindful of not passing the virus along to other people or other areas on your body!

Wait it out

While warts may be an unwanted guest on your feet, most plantar warts don’t cause harm and will resolve on their own once the virus has run its course. As such, if your wart doesn’t cause you pain, you can simply wait it out.

Try over-the-counter remedies

Many warts respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, though depending on the size and position of the wart it may take some time to completely eradicate the bump. There are many different OTC options, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully. 

Most OTC treatments contain salicylic acid, which comes in liquid, gel, and patch form. It’s a good idea to keep treating the area even when it appears the wart is gone to prevent it from coming back.  

Get professional help

Seeing a podiatrist for warts is a good idea to ensure you don’t spread the virus to other areas of your body or other people. Your provider at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Center evaluates your wart and gets you started on treatment as early as possible.

If you experience any of the following, contact our offices quickly for evaluation:

• You can’t tell if the growth is a wart
• You are immuno-compromised
• The wart starts bleeding
• The wart is painful or changes in appearance
• The wart interferes your ability to carry out everyday activities    

If you think you have a wart or are tired of struggling with a stubborn plantar wart, the team at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Center can help. Call the office most convenient to you or request an appointment online now!