Warts on the feet can be particularly annoying and painful, especially for the larger plantar warts that grow on the bottom of the foot hidden under thick skin. Since warts cause the human papillomavirus (HPV), eradicating the virus will eliminate warts. It is easier said than done since the virus is ubiquitous in the environment.

Warts and the virus spread by physical contact, so protecting your feet when using public showers and locker rooms helps avoid getting warts.

3 ways to help treat and prevent foot warts include the following:

• Cryotherapy

  See your foot doctor for liquid nitrogen therapy to freeze and remove difficult plantar warts on the bottom of the foot. These warts, often hidden by thick skin, will need to be removed first. See your foot doctor to avoid complications like unnecessary cuts and bleeding.

• Medication

  The HPV (human papillomavirus) that causes warts is quite common in the environment. You can eradicate with topical and oral medications so you can attack warts from inside and outside at the same time.

• Acid peeling

  The use of extra strong acid peels away the wart a little at a time and used in conjunction with cryotherapy for fast results.

You can help prevent warts by keeping your feet clean and protected from contact with the virus that causes warts. It means protecting your feet from contact with public surfaces like shower areas and locker room areas by wearing appropriate foot protection.

If you are experiencing pain and discomfort with warts on your feet or any other foot or ankle problems you may be experiencing, contact your foot doctor. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.