Warts are quite common. Most people develop one at some point or another in their lifetime. This doesn’t mean there isn’t anything that cannot be done about them. On the contrary, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk, but plantar wart treatment is also something to consider if you grow a wart on your foot.
Warts will typically go away on their own in time, but this can take as long as a couple of years. A better idea than waiting it out is to come see us for treatment. Doing this sooner rather than later is important to relieve any pain or discomfort you are experiencing, and to reduce the risk you pass the responsible virus (human papillomavirus) onto family members.
As we discuss treatment options for plantar warts, it is important to start with a couple of practices to avoid. This includes both using home kits and trying to cut out a wart on your own. The problem with the kits available for purchase over the counter at nationwide pharmacies and grocery stores is that they often use salicylic acid to burn away the viral growths. Salicylic acid, though, can also damage the healthy skin surrounding the wart.
Using “home surgery” to cut out a wart is also a bad idea. In part, attempting this doesn’t actually address the root cause – the virus responsible for the unsightly growth. More importantly, though, you should never try to cut off warts (or corns or calluses, etc.) because it puts you at unnecessary risk for potentially serious infections and tissue damage. Instead, always leave the surgery to our trusted medical professionals here at Foot Specialists of Long Island.
When you come in to see us for plantar wart treatment, we will assess your particular condition. In many, but not all, cases, the wart will be at least partially covered or have grown underneath a thickened layer of skin (callus). This is because plantar warts typically grow on the underside of the foot, an area subjected to tremendous pressure.
Professional treatment for plantar warts include:
- Prescription-strength medication. This can include salicylic acid, but the difference is having it carefully applied by a medical expert. We always take measures to ensure your safety, which is something at-home kits are unable to offer.
- Cryotherapy. Another option is to use freezing therapy (cryotherapy) to slough off the dead tissue, while also stimulating your immune system to fight the virus.
- Minor surgery. It is really important to note that we do not recommend attempting “home surgery” and trying to cut out a wart on your own. In addition to infection risk, this can also be quite painful. Instead, simply make an appointment with us and have the minor procedure performed by a trained medical professional in a safe environment and with numbing agents to prevent pain.
Plantar wart treatment is one of the skin and toenail care services we offer here at our Massapequa, New York podiatrist office. This is a fairly common problem for children’s feet, but you can take comfort in knowing that we always provide gentle and effective care for your young ones. Call Foot Specialists of Long Island at (516) 804-9038 to request your appointment, or contact us online for additional information.