Planters Warts: What They are and How You can Prevent Them
Warts are a common occurrence for many people, and there are a number of different types of growths that might appear. The common wart usually found on the hands and fingers, but can also show up anywhere else on the body. On the other hand, planters warts will appear on the soles of the feet, often at the pressure points like the heel or the ball of the foot. These growths are not generally serious, but they can become quite large and painful, leading many to seek treatment for their planters warts.
Planters warts, like other types of warts are caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. The virus can enter your skin through small cuts or opening on the surface, and result in one of these growths. Some people are more susceptible to HPV than others, and doctors aren't sure why or how this is the case. If you are more prone to HPV, you may find that warts are a constant battle for you to deal with. In the case of planters warts, earlier treatment will be much more likely to be successful.
Treatment Choices
Planters warts are treated with similar procedures to other types of warts, but because they can be a bit stubborn to get rid of completely, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying to treat a planters wart at home. Over the counter treatments include a topical application of salicylic acid, like what you will find in commercial products like Dr. Scholl's Clear Away Plantar. The solution must be 40% salicylic acid, to allow the growth to gradually peel away and disappear.
Another treatment method that has been shown in studies to be quite effective, albeit nontraditional, is to place a piece of duct tape over the area. Medical experts believe that the tape irritates the skin surrounding the planters wart, so that the immune system kicks into overtime to fight the virus. Place the tape over the area and leave for six days, then remove, soak the wart in warm water and use an emery board to remove the outer layers. This process may need to be repeated for up to two months, but in some studies it was actually more effective at permanently removing the planters wart than other types of treatment.
A planters wart can also be frozen off at your doctor's office, using an application of liquid nitrogen that is known as cryotherapy. The freezing will leave a blister over the wart and lift it off of the skin. This process is widely used by doctors, but it can be a bit uncomfortable. For this reason, it is often not the first treatment of choice for children.
Planters warts are not serious, but they can be uncomfortable. If you suspect that you have one of these growths, talk to your doctor about your best treatment options.
