Have you ever felt a prickly, uncomfortable sensation on the sole of your foot while walking? You may have noticed a small, rough, raised bump that has grown into the skin. These are often called 'plantar warts'. Don't be alarmed by this name, as it is not as dangerous as cancer. But it can be a bit annoying. So let's find out everything about it today.
What are these plantar warts?
Simply put, they are harmless, rough bumps that develop on the soles of your feet. The main cause of these is a virus called the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These warts form when the virus enters your body through a small cut or scratch on the skin on your soles.
Who is more likely to develop these?
Actually, anyone can develop these warts. However, some people are at a higher risk.
- For children and young people
- For those with weakened immune systems (for example, those taking medication for another illness)
- For those with autoimmune diseases
- For those over 65 years of age
These warts are more common than you might think. They affect about 10% of the world's population. They also affect between 10% and 20% of children and young adults.
How do these warts affect our body?
Often, these warts can cause pain. Imagine, what if you felt like you were stepping on a rock every time you walked? That's what it's like. This pain may cause you to change the way you walk, run, and even stand. As your body posture changes, over time, the muscles and joints in your feet and ankles can also become painful.
Not only that, but it can also affect your mental health . Some people may feel embarrassed or anxious about seeing these warts. As a result, they may not want to wear certain types of shoes or go barefoot. This can even cause mental stress.
What are the symptoms? How do you recognize it?
There are several characteristics that help identify a person who is underground. Let's see what they are.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | They have a rough surface, like a cauliflower. Sometimes they can be as deep under the skin as an iceberg. |
| Black dots | You may see small black or brown dots in the middle of the stool. These are also called 'stool bones'. These are actually dried blood clots. |
| Pain and discomfort | It feels like pain or tightness when standing or walking. The pain is worse if you squeeze it from both sides. |
| Places where it occurs | They often develop in weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heels, balls of the feet, and toes. |
| Clustering | Sometimes many small warts grow together to form a large cluster. This is also called a `(mosaic wart)`. |
Are these warts contagious?
Yes, plantar warts are contagious.
There are two main ways these are transmitted.
1. Skin-to-skin contact: You can get infected if the skin of someone with an infection touches your skin. If you touch your own infection, you can also get it on other parts of your body.
2. Sharing things: HPV can survive well in warm, moist environments. Therefore, it can be easily spread by walking barefoot in public bathrooms, swimming pools, and gyms, or by sharing other people's shoes, socks, and towels.
It can take two to six months for the HPV virus to appear after it has entered the body.
How does a doctor treat this?
Most of the time, a doctor can recognize a plantar wart as soon as they see it. Sometimes, to be sure, they will take a small piece of skin from the wart and send it to a lab for testing. This is called a biopsy.
Usually, within a year or two, our body's immune system fights off this virus and eliminates it. However, because these are painful, contagious, and embarrassing for some, it is best to treat them.
Here are some of the main treatments used by doctors.
| Treatment method | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Cryotherapy | They freeze and destroy the object using a very cold substance like liquid nitrogen. |
| Immunotherapy | It stimulates your own immune system to fight the HPV virus. This involves applying a special chemical to the wart. |
| Laser treatment | Laser beams are used to destroy the delicate blood vessels inside the tumor. The tumor then loses its blood supply and dies. |
| Electrocautery | The wax is burned away using an electric current. |
| Topical medicine | A liquid containing a chemical like cantharidin is applied to the wart. This causes a blister to form under the wart, cutting off its blood supply, and the wart can be removed after about a week. |
| Minor surgery | The area around the tumor is numbed and the tumor is cut out with a surgical knife. |
Are there things you can do at home?
Yes, there are some simple things you can try at home. There are ointments that contain salicylic acid that you can buy from pharmacies. When these are applied to the wart, the layers of the wart's skin gradually dissolve.
But remember, you should definitely talk to your doctor before doing anything like this. Because it's safest to treat it after knowing exactly whether you have a yeast infection or something else.
What should we do to prevent warts from forming?
It's easier to prevent warts than to treat them after they appear. Here are some things you can do:
- Avoid touching your own or someone else's warts. If you must, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Be sure to wear a pair of slippers in places like public bathrooms and swimming pools.
- Do not use other people's towels, socks, shoes, or nail clippers.
- Always keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes.
- Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture.
- Getting the HPV vaccine also helps protect against several types of warts.
What is the difference between "inna" and "corn"?
Many people confuse plantar warts and corns. There are clear differences between the two.
| Characteristic | Plantar Wart | Corn |
|---|---|---|
| Reason | An HPV virus infection. | Tight shoes, constant rubbing of the skin in one place. |
| Appearance | There may be a rough surface and black dots in the middle. | A thick, yellow layer of skin. There may be a hard area in the middle. |
| Is it contagious? | Yes, it is contagious. | No, it is not contagious. |
| Pain | The pain increases when squeezed from both sides. | The pain is worse when you press directly on top. |
When should I see a doctor?
Although these are usually not dangerous, in cases like this, you should definitely see a doctor.
- If you are bleeding or getting injured frequently.
- If the stye appears infected (changes in color, pus is coming out, or hurts).
- If it is difficult to walk or stand due to pain.
- If the color, shape, or size of the urine changes rapidly.
- If the number of warts increases or spreads to other places.
- If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Your doctor can tell you what the best treatment is for this.
Take-Home Message
- Plantar warts are a common, harmless condition caused by the HPV virus.
- These are contagious. They can be spread by walking barefoot in public places or by using other people's things.
- Treatment is important to prevent pain, discomfort, and infection. A doctor can suggest various treatments for this.
- If you suspect you have a hernia or a herniated disc, or if you have severe pain or bleeding from the hernia, be sure to seek medical advice.
- You can largely prevent the development of these warts by following hygiene and safety practices.
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