Plantar warts are very common, and sometimes can
be referred to as a verruca. The name derives from
the name for the bottom of the foot (plantar surface).
Plantar warts are part of the HPV virus (Human Papilloma
Virus). There are over 80 different strains of the
HPV virus, one of these strains deals with plantar
warts, and this strain tends to be very stubborn when
it comes to treatment.
Plantar warts are known to be very painful being that
they are located under the feet, and one is always
applying pressure to the area, because of this a plantar
wart is usually located underneath a few layers of
skin. Plantar warts do not generally rise above the
surface of the skin, as constant pressure is usually
applied to the area.
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Are plantar warts contagious?
Plantar Warts are about as common as athlete's foot
and is probably just as contagious. The HPV virus
can easily be infected. In the case of plantar warts,
the virus can be transmitted as easily as walking
barefoot in public places, locker rooms, or gymnasiums.
Warts in general are contagious. Once you are infected with the HPV virus, the virus will remain in your system indefinitely. The majority of the time this virus remains dormant, but once active a wart may occur anywhere on the body, and may occur on the feet or in a form of a plantar wart. Plantar warts can affect people of all ages, and tend to be most common in adolescents and young teenagers.
What does a plantar wart look like?
A plantar wart is usually found beneath a few layers
of skin, and is usually spongy in texture and can
be very rough to the touch. Plantar wart symptoms
can vary. Most plantar warts look very different from
person to person, the majorities are grey or brown
in color, and some have a small black center, which
is about the size of a needlepoint. This black center
is a clotted blood vessel or capillary, this is what
supplies blood to the feet. Because of this blood
clot, it is very common for a plantar wart to bleed,
when the surface is scraped away. When left untreated
for some time, a plantar wart can grow as large as
one inch in diameter.
Corns can be easily mistaken for a plantar wart, and vice-versa, the most noticeable difference between a corn and a plantar wart is the blood clot located in the center of the plantar wart.
How can I treat plantar warts?
It is highly advisable to always wear shoes when
walking in public places, especially in a locker room
or gymnasium. It is always a good idea to keep your
feet clean and dry at all times. Always avoid contact
with any person that has a wart, even if the wart
is located on a different part of the body. If you
are unsure of a new lump or growth on your skin, it
is strongly recommended to visit a doctor or health
professional, never ignore a new growth.
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Bibiliography:
* Podiatrychannel.com
* InteliHealth.com
