Leading specialists and advanced methods of treating plantar warts in K+31 clinics
The main cause of plantar warts is the human papillomavirus. HPV is a family of viruses that includes more than 100 varieties. They contribute to an increase in the number of skin cells and mucous membranes, which leads to the formation of warts.
HPV spreads through contact with the skin of an infected person, and the virus is transmitted sexually. This usually occurs through shared items (such as towels). You can also become infected with papillomavirus in places with high humidity - for example, in a swimming pool, sauna, or gym.
Other factors contributing to the appearance of plantar warts include:
Mainly, papillomas appear on the soles of the feet after infection with HPV types 1, 2, 4. Additionally, condylomas may appear in the genital area.
Plantar warts are visually similar to flat calluses or corns. However, their characteristic difference is the presence of black dots - clogged blood vessels. Signs of a wart on the sole:
If the tumor hurts or bleeds, you should urgently seek help from a specialist. Do not try to remove a wart yourself at home.
Having penetrated the skin, the virus begins active reproduction in the cells of the epidermis. As a result of the process, excessive formation of keratin occurs, a protein responsible for protecting the skin from external factors. Therefore, a nodular formation is formed on its surface - a plantar wart.
Its formation takes from 2 weeks to several months after infection. All this time, a person is often a carrier of the virus without knowing it.
After removal of tumors on the foot, stop wearing tight shoes until complete healing. Do not remove dry crusts that have formed at the site of the wart yourself. Avoid visiting saunas and baths, and do not take a bath during the rehabilitation period. It is better to carry out hygiene procedures in the shower.
The main means of preventing the development of plantar warts is compliance with hygiene standards. This is especially important when visiting public places - for example, a swimming pool, bathhouse, gym or fitness center.
Also, to avoid a relapse of viral pathology, it is necessary to increase immunity. Its strengthening is facilitated by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, giving up bad habits and timely treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Depending on the depth of penetration of the virus into the skin, the spines on the foot can be superficial or deep. In the second case, the tumors grow into the skin and often cause pain when moving.
There are 4 stages of plantar wart development:
At the last stage, the tumor often disappears on its own - in particular, this happens if the immune system successfully fights the virus. In the absence of timely treatment, the wart multiplies or increases in size.
What is the danger?
If the wart is very large, it causes severe pain when walking. Trying to avoid discomfort, a person transfers the load to the other leg or tries not to step on the painful part. Constant trauma to the wart often leads to the risk of softening the skin. There is also the possibility of a secondary infection and the occurrence of a purulent process on the foot.
Inside the plantar wart there are capillaries with blood clots, which are damaged by mechanical stress. Against this background, there is a risk of bleeding.
When identifying nodular formations on the sole, it is important to consult a dermatologist. The expert will carry out a detailed examination and, if necessary, prescribe additional examinations.
The following diagnostic methods help identify a plantar wart:
Additionally, a biopsy is often performed, in which a sample of wart tissue is taken for further examination under a microscope.
In some cases, plantar warts disappear spontaneously. In other situations, they can be eliminated through a combination of local minimally invasive procedures and immunotherapy. A specialist may prescribe cauterization of the feet with acid and ointments.
The choice of therapeutic removal method depends on many factors, including the size of the wart, its location, the patient's general health, and the presence of allergic reactions.
The main method of treating small and soft plantar warts is drug therapy. Prescribed medications help strengthen the immune system, which allows you to painlessly and effectively fight the virus from the inside. Additionally, local treatment is prescribed. It includes the use of special ointments, creams and patches.
If necessary, surgical treatment is carried out, removal of plantar warts using electrocoagulation (electrode), laser device, cryo destruction. Surgery is used as a last resort.
Excision is done with a surgical scalpel under local anesthesia. This method of completely getting rid of growths is traumatic and is only suitable if there are no contraindications.
The dermatologist chooses the appropriate treatment method. The most important thing is that you should not try to solve the problem yourself: this may worsen the condition.
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Plantar warts
Diabetic foot Laser nail treatment
About the disease
Warts and plantar spines are benign growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They cause significant discomfort and seriously reduce quality of life.
Warts form on the soles or toes. They have a hard and uneven surface. They can be found in areas subject to increased pressure or friction, such as under the toes or on the heels. Plantar warts can be single or form groups. In the second case, they merge into large clusters and cause pain when walking.