Plantar warts and foot wart removal are best handled by licensed podiatrists

Human papilloma virus has long been associated with a number of skin growths, including mosaic and plantar warts.  Unlike some other warts commonly attributed to the virus, they are potentially hard to treat because of where they are located. Think about it. As humans, we are on our feet every day and that added pressure can not only irritate plantar warts but make it difficult to treat them. So, when homegrown or over-the-counter treatments don’t work, people should seek professional, foot wart removal.

Professional, foot wart removal often involves products that are similar to over-the-counter options. However, they are much stronger and purchasing them requires a podiatrist’s prescription. Examples include topical creams that contain salicylic acid. The tropical creams are generally prescribed first because the side effects are minimal to non-existent. Depending on the cream’s strength, it may take a week or more for the treatment to work.

Podiatrists may also choose to use foot wart removal techniques that must be performed in the office. The list of in-office treatments includes, but is not limited to trichloroacetic acid, bichloracetic acid, cryotherapy, pulsed-dye lasers, immune therapy and vaccines. Understandably, the potential side effects associated with these treatment options are typically more extensive. For example, there may be risk of pain and secondary infection.

If all of those methods fail, podiatrists may opt to recommend electrodessication and curettage. It is a same-day surgical procedure that must be performed in an acute care setting. Most of the time, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area prior to surgical, foot wart removal. However, patients with a low tolerance for pain or those who have other health problems too may need to rely on another pain reduction method.

Afterward, podiatrists usually recommend that their patients follow post-surgical care instructions. The instructions may include minor downtime to give the surgical time to heal properly before engaging in weight-bearing activities. To learn more about plantar warts and foot wart removal, please contact the foot health team of Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M.