Treatment of plantar warts
Leading specialists and advanced methods of treating plantar warts in K+31 clinics
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General information
Causes
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. This usually occurs through shared items (such as towels). You can also become infected in places with high humidity - for example, in a swimming pool, sauna, or gym.
Other factors contributing to the appearance of plantar warts include decreased immune defense, the presence of microtraumas, flat feet and disruption of the normal state of skin microflora.
How to distinguish
Development mechanism
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.
Features of prevention
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.
It is also 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.
Classification and stages of development
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:
- Incubation period. The virus has already entered the body, but has not yet manifested itself.
- Formation phase. At this stage, a wart begins to form on the surface of the skin.
- Active growth stage.
- Stage of resolution or intensification of the process.
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.
Diagnosis of plantar wart
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:
- Dermatoscopy. This is a research method in which, using a special device (dermatoscope), the doctor visually examines the formation on the skin.
- PCR analysis. Allows you to determine the type of human papillomavirus.
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 from them can be eliminated through a combination of local minimally invasive procedures and immunotherapy.
The choice of therapeutic method depends on many factors, including the size of the wart, its location, general health of the patient and the presence of allergic reactions.
The main method of treatment is drug therapy. Prescribed medications help strengthen the immune system, which allows you to fight the virus from the inside. Additionally local treatment is prescribed. It includes the use of special ointments, creams and plasters.
If necessary, surgical treatment is performed.
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.
To make an appointment with a doctor, call us or fill out the application form on the website. Please provide your full name and telephone number where you can be contacted.
- Laser removal Warts are eliminated using a laser. This is a minimally invasive procedure that usually leaves no scars.
- Electrocoagulation It is assumed that high-frequency electric current will be used.
- Cryotherapy It is supposed to use liquid nitrogen, which freezes and destroys the wart.
- Surgical excision The wart is removed using a surgical scalpel.
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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.