Foot warts or plantar warts affect quite a few people. The warts, which are caused by viruses, usually appear very irregularly and are harmless. Some types of warts can cause varying degrees of pain on the sole of the foot, appearing mainly when they appear.
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are also called plantar warts or sole warts. They are benign skin growths or lumps in the skin that can vary greatly in appearance. They can be completely flat or raised and usually occur on the soles of the feet, balls of the feet and the undersides of the toes. A common type of these plantar warts is the so-called plantar wart. These warts occur singly and can grow very deeply into the tissue. Characteristic of these plantar warts is a visible black spot, the so-called thorn. This is often covered by callus and causes a mild to severe stabbing pain when it appears or pressure is applied to the affected area.
Causes
Plantar warts are caused by infection with viruses, more specifically, it is the genus of human papillomaviruses. Of the papilloviruses, a total of over 100 different subspecies exist. Infection occurs directly through contact via smear infection, both via affected people and with infected objects. In the process, the pathogens penetrate the body through the smallest skin lesions or damage to the mucous membrane, resulting in the formation of warts. The risk of infection is greatly increased, especially when using places where people walk barefoot a lot. These include above all swimming pools, saunas and also changing rooms in sports halls. Especially in swimming pools and saunas, the warm and humid climate favors the spread of viruses and also the absorption of pathogens.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Unlike other warts, plantar warts usually grow into the tissue because they are pressed into the tissue by high body pressure. They are located on the heels, toes or balls of the feet below the corneal callus. There, they often cause severe stabbing pain when standing or walking, which feels as if it comes from a thorn that has entered. Therefore, plantar warts are also called plantar warts. Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet as flat skin lesions that are gray or brownish-yellow in color. They often stand alone. If the callus is not too thick, small dark spots may be discovered on the affected skin area. These are small bleedings into the skin. If the plantar warts do not reach too deep into the tissue, they can remain painless. However, when their extensions reach the dermis or the fatty and connective tissue located in the subcutis, the extensions irritate the nerve endings, causing the sharp stabbing pain. As with all warts, plantar warts are caused by infection with the HP virus, which can heal on its own. However, treatment should be performed if the plantar warts cause pain or multiply. This therapy is very lengthy. Furthermore, it also cannot be ruled out that recurrences may occur despite successful treatment.
Diagnosis and course
After infection with the viruses, nothing often happens initially for several months. The first symptom is usually a pressure pain with no apparent cause. This is because in most cases plantar warts are hidden under layers of cornea. In the further course, the affected skin area may change visibly. Depending on the type of wart, there may be various colorations and visible changes in the skin. These can be red or brown dots and stripes caused by bleeding, or a whitish discoloration of the skin. Also, a furrow may appear between the callus and the actual wart, this is the demarcation of the growth from the healthy skin. While some plantar warts cause pain, other types are more likely to cause itching. However, many types of warts do not cause any discomfort. The diagnosis is made by examining the affected areas. By asking the patient about the exact symptoms, the doctor can ensure the diagnosis.
Complications
Plantar warts can cause various complications, which should usually be investigated by an appropriate physician. Affected individuals suffering from a plantar wart should always consult a doctor if there are any external changes to the wart.If you do not seek medical treatment, you run the risk of various complications. Under certain circumstances, plantar warts can begin to bleed if they are scratched open. This can lead to heavy bleeding, so that the open wound can be infected by bacteria. There is a threat of inflammation, so that there may also be severe pain. Even the formation of pus fluid is possible. At the latest at the first signs of pus, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. Those who do not seek treatment from a doctor at this point must also reckon with serious complications. It can develop into an abscess or even blood poisoning.
When should you go to the doctor?
It is recommended to always consult a doctor in case of foot warts. This can initiate a removal of the warts in a few steps, so that a cure is ensured as quickly as possible. Small warts that are symptom-free can often be removed on one’s own responsibility. Suitable preparations with detailed instructions for correct treatment are available in drugstores or pharmacies. In addition, pharmacists provide important information on the correct handling of the products. However, it is still advisable to consult a doctor to avoid unnecessary complications. If the warts spread to the feet or if existing warts enlarge, a doctor should be consulted. If the warts cause discomfort in the usual movements, treading as well as rolling of the foot or an incorrect posture of the body, a visit to the doctor is necessary. In case of pain, open wounds or additional formation of calluses on the feet, a doctor is needed. If the affected person suffers from a general malaise, disgust or feels sick due to the plantar warts, a doctor should be consulted. If social withdrawal behavior sets in or there is a noticeable change in behavior due to the warts, it is necessary to consult a doctor. If the warts become infected on the feet, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Treatment and therapy
There are different methods for treating plantar warts, depending on the type of wart and the severity of the symptoms. For local treatment of plantar warts, preparations containing salicylic acid are used. These can be tinctures, ointments or plasters. The salicylic acid is supposed to cause an inflammatory reaction of the body, during which the body’s own fight also kills the wart. This treatment method is not always successful and can take several weeks. In addition, icing of the affected skin area can be considered to kill the wart. This method is called cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart and causes the upper skin layer to die. In particularly severe cases, surgery may be necessary. This is the case, for example, if the wart protrudes very deeply into the tissue and thus causes severe discomfort. For this invasive procedure, a local anesthetic is applied and the wart tissue is then scraped out. Removal of plantar warts by means of a laser is also often used today. In practice, self-healing is also observed time and again without any therapy having taken place. In these cases, the immune system successfully fights the responsible viruses, the wart dries up and disappears. With all plantar warts, the risk of recurrence is very high. Formerly affected people will usually be affected by plantar warts again and again at irregular intervals.
Prevention
To prevent plantar warts, there is no reliable method. The pathogens are very widespread and every person comes into contact with them in the course of his life. The outbreak then occurs in situations where the immune system is weakened. However, good hygiene measures after using public facilities such as swimming pools and gymnasiums, as well as avoiding walking barefoot in these places, reduce the risk of infection.
Follow-up
After surgical removal, the foot should be rested for up to two weeks, depending on the size of the wart. This means avoiding frequent treading and other stress. Regular elevation of the affected foot promotes wound healing. A breathable stocking should be worn over the bandage (ideally made of cotton).Warm and humid climate in socks or shoes must be prevented in order not to provide a basis for infections. Walking barefoot should also be avoided at all costs to prevent germs or other pathogens from entering the wound and causing inflammation. As with any wound, good hygiene (washing hands before contact with the wound, changing socks regularly, using clean towels) is essential. Regular examinations by the surgeon and dressing changes are also part of aftercare. If complications occur, such as inflammation or fever, he is the first point of contact, even apart from the regular check-ups. The treatment is completed by removing the stitches. Besides stress, moisture, sauna and solarium visits are counterproductive for wound healing. The foot can only be fully loaded again when the wound healing is completely finished: The wound should be closed, not weeping and no longer crusted. To prevent reinfection, it is advisable to wear rubber shoes in swimming pools or other sports facilities. Another important role is played by an intact immune system.
What you can do yourself
People who have plantar warts or tend to suffer from their appearance frequently should pay attention to wearing healthy footwear. Foreign bodies in the footwear should be avoided. Likewise, there should be no pressure points on the feet when wearing closed or open shoes. Existing warts should not be opened or intentionally damaged. The leaking body fluid will cause the warts to spread. There are various care products and aids available in stores that can be used for existing warts. Plasters or tinctures can be used independently for small warts without medical assistance. Foot care should be checked and optimized. If there is a lot of sweating under the feet, it is recommended to use body powder to absorb the liquid. Regular changing and disinfecting of hosiery is necessary to prevent further spread of germs. In addition, footwear worn should also be disinfected regularly. Walking barefoot in public baths or showers should be avoided. Protective clothing, such as bathing slippers, help prevent further infection for oneself and others. Despite the presence of plantar warts, care should be taken to avoid poor posture of the body. If the foot can no longer be set down as usual or rolled during locomotion, there is a risk of permanent damage to the skeletal system.
