Description

Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, where the pressure of walking pushes them inward rather than outward, often giving them a flattened appearance with a hard, callus-like surface. They can be painful, feeling like walking with a small stone in your shoe.

Causes

HPV infection entering through small cuts or breaks in the skin on the sole of the foot, often picked up in damp public areas like locker rooms or pools.

Prevention

Wear sandals or shower shoes in public locker rooms and pool areas, and keep feet clean and dry.

Treatment Options

Salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and in-office procedures for warts that are painful or resistant to home treatment.

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: A plantar wart is the same as a callus. Fact: A callus has continuous skin lines running through it, while a wart interrupts these lines and often has tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels).

When to See a Dermatologist

If a plantar wart is painful, spreading, or hasn't improved after several weeks of OTC treatment.

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