Plantar warts are bumpy growths that occur on the bottom skin of the feet. They can form as a single wart or in a cluster and are caused by the HPV virus. It is common for children and teens to develop plantar warts since they often come in contact with the virus that causes them.
There are a variety of treatment options for plantar warts that can be effective if used properly. However, plantar warts can be difficult to treat and may come back.
Treatment Options for Plantar Warts
It is easy for plantar warts to spread. Children often infect themselves by touching the wart and then another part of their body. Warts can also be spread by sharing personal items such as a towel.
There are a variety of over-the-counter treatments available for plantar warts, but they are not always effective. Over-the-counter products are not always used correctly or strong enough to get rid of warts completely. There is a chance that they could return or that warts can spread to other parts of the body.
If you notice plantar warts spreading on your child or that they have plantar warts that keep coming back, consult with a podiatrist for an evaluation. A podiatrist can examine your child’s feet and determine what treatment will work best for their specific needs. Some treatment options that a podiatrist may recommend for plantar warts include:
- Cryotherapy. A wart can be frozen off using cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen solution to destroy the tissue of the wart.
- Topical medication. Topical prescription medication can be used on the plantar wart.
- Injection. A podiatrist can administer a shot of medication directly into the wart to get rid of it.
- Surgery. A wart can be removed using a procedure such as curettage, electrosurgery, or laser surgery.
It is not uncommon for treatments to not completely get rid of the wart. Plantar warts can regrow or spread to other parts of the body if the virus is still active. Many warts may require additional treatment to destroy and prevent regrowth. It is important to follow treatment instructions for best results.
Time to See a Podiatrist
If your child has plantar warts and you have questions about treatment options, contact Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry. Our office can create a customized treatment plan based on your child’s needs. To set up an appointment, fill out our convenient contact form or call our office at (301) 515-FEET.
|
Related Links: |