Are Your Plantar warts Hurting You? what You Can Do
Were You Aware? The most common of all skin infections is the common wart; and up to 10% of all Americans have these skin lesions. A plantar wart is one that is specifically found on the plantar area of the foot — the bottom, or underside.
Warts Are Caused By A Virus HPV — the Human Papilloma Virus — causes all warts, including foot warts. You many not see the first lesion for 1 - 20 months after initial infection, due the the lengthy incubation period. Even with a healthy immune system, the virus can live for up to two years inside your body.
When/Where Were You Exposed? You likely picked up the HPV virus in a public shower, locker room, or around a swimming pool. Simply sharing someone else’s sandals or socks may have exposed you. The virus entered your foot thru tiny breaks in the skin that you were likely unaware of.
Why Treat a Plantar Wart Anyway? Here’s why:
- Pain: pressure from walking can be painful and even lead to back and leg pain
- Embarrassment: they sometimes spread and ‘cluster’ to cover the entire sole
- Spreading the infection: not only to other parts of your own body, but to other people as well
Medical Treatments For the above reasons, most medical doctors recommend eliminating the actual lesions, even though the virus itself may live on. Antiviral agents are rarely recommended. Doctors may suggest the following:
- Freezing (cryotherapy) : in one study, freezing was less effective than the ‘duct-tape’ home remedy
- Topical treatments : usually with salicylic or other acids, which eat away at the wart
- Surgery : including the latest (and most expensive) laser surgery.
Natural/Home Remedies Many of these can be quite effective at removing warts. Some remedies are just variations of the ‘duct tape’ treatment. Many are generally safe and inexpensive. However, most will require your patience, persistence, and weeks or months of time.
Before You Self-Treat Be safe. Not sorry. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or circulatory problems, see your doctor. They can assist you in selecting the best treatment for your situation.
Conclusion Eliminate the warts to reduce pain and embarrassment — and to keep them from spreading. Carefully avoid re-exposure to the virus. Keep your immune system strong ? it?s your best defense..