Your Guide To Treating Plantar Warts
If you have ever experienced a plantar wart, you know that they can be much more than annoying. While totally benign, plantar warts can be thick and uncomfortable when they occur on the bottom of your feet. This is especially true as you place regular pressure on your feet through walking or exercising. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to treat plantar warts.
Some Plantar Warts Disappear
In some cases, you do not have to do anything at all for plantar warts to disappear. In most cases, plantar warts will not even leave a scar behind. Unfortunately, it can take months for the warts to go away. This is why so many people turn to home remedies, especially when the warts are painful.
Salicylic Acid Treatments for Plantar Warts
Many people use over-the-counter topical products that contain salicylic acid. They may come as a liquid, gel, or band-aid-like patch. While not painful, these treatments may take weeks to work. A physician may be able to treat with a stronger peel or treatment.
Home Freezing Compounds for Plantar Warts
These treatments use a freezing process to cut off the supply of blood to the wart, ultimately causing it to fall off. Unfortunately, the process can actually be painful. It is advisable that you go to a doctor for this rather than to do it at home, as a doctor can provide you with anesthesia to numb the area first or even possibly cryotherapy.
When to See a Doctor about Plantar Warts
Plantar warts may require treatment from a family doctor. It might be time to see a doctor if a wart refuses to go away or if it keeps returning. You should also consider medical treatment when warts grow very large or in clusters. If your warts start bleeding, are swollen, or drain pus, you should seek medical treatment right away. This is also the case if you experience warts and are diabetic or have coronary artery disease.
Preventing Plantar Warts
There are several things you need to do to see if you can prevent plantar warts. For example, warts are a result of being exposed to HPV, of which there are many strains. This may occur in athletic or gym showers and are more common in peeling skin. You should avoid picking at plantar warts, as this can spread them.
If you are experiencing annoying plantar warts, you have options. A doctor can help you determine your next course of action.