Causes and Symptoms of Warts
Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Like any virus, warts are spread through contact. The virus enters the body through tiny cuts or cracks on the bottom of the foot. This can occur when walking barefoot on surfaces where the virus is present. The virus thrives in warm and moist environments, making locker rooms and swimming pools a common source of infection.
It can take as long as six months to develop a wart after the skin has come into contact with the virus, making it difficult to identify the source of the infection. Individuals can reduce their chances of contracting a wart by avoiding walking barefoot, especially in public spaces. Keeping the feet clean and dry can also help.
Symptoms of plantar warts include:
- Small, fleshy growths on the bottom of the foot, which may be rough or grainy.
- Hard, thickened skin, where a wart has grown inward.
- Black pinpoints in the center of the growth, which are clotted blood vessels.
Learn more about the diagnoses and complications of plantar warts here.
The Swift® device has provided our doctors the latest in immune therapy technology, giving them the ability to treat the root cause of plantar warts.
Conventional Treatments Available
There are several conventional treatments doctors have used and continue to use, which are designed to remove the affected tissue. These include:
- Salicylic acid or other types of acid
- Laser treatment
- Cryotherapy (freezing the area)
- Surgical excision
See how the Swift® technology compares to conventional treatments—read more about the Benefits Of The Swift® Device. If you’re suffering from plantar warts, take the first step in treating this condition by answering a few short questions and requesting an appointment with The Foot Doc™.