Have you recently found an unusual growth on the bottom of your foot? You may have a plantar wart! Plantar warts are grainy, usually small in size, and appear on the balls and heels of your feet. You may notice pain or discomfort when you put pressure on them while walking or standing. Plantar warts are common, especially in the summer, and are easy to prevent!

What is a Plantar Wart?

A plantar wart is a small growth on the body caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and commonly found on the foot’s sole, especially at the heel. Typically, a wart is not much more than a nuisance, but the virus that causes them is highly contagious.

Spotting a Wart

How do you know you have a plantar wart? You may notice…

• A small, hard, flat, circular growth, particularly on a weight-bearing area of the foot (heels or balls of your feet).
• Discomfort wearing shoes, standing, walking, or running.
• Thick, scaly skin that looks like a small callus.
• Black, pin-prick-sized spots – tiny burst blood vessels known as “wart seeds.”

Say Goodbye to Warts

The virus that causes warts thrives in moist, warm environments. With summer coming up, your chances of developing a plantar wart increase. You can reduce your risk of becoming infected with HPV and developing plantar warts with a few simple steps:

• Avoid going barefoot in public.
• Protect your feet by choosing sneakers over flip-flops.
• Wear sandals in hotel rooms and public showers and on pool decks.
• Ensure that your local nail salon is hygienic.
• Never share any nail tools, even among family members.
• Change your socks and shoes often.
• Spray your shoes with antimicrobial spray, if needed.

If you develop a wart, don’t touch it, don’t pick at it, and please don’t try any at-home treatments! Warts are easy to treat, with the help of your foot doctor. Attempting any online tips and tricks may lead to injury or infection. Call your podiatrist instead!

Think you have a plantar wart? Call our office today. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Anne-Louise Smith, Dr. Justin Muser, and the rest of the staff at Syracuse Podiatry in East Syracuse, New York, can help treat and care for your feet. Call us at 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online to get help today.