Plantar or foot warts are harmless viral skin infections resulting in abnormal growth. Plantar warts develop at the bottom of the feet and can cause pain, especially when under pressure, such as after prolonged standing, walking, or running. Plantar warts Whittier often go away on their own, which can take months or years. While most foot warts may not require treatment, in some cases, they can be extremely painful to the extent of affecting your balance (gait).
Your doctor may recommend home remedies or prescription medication. Removal may also be recommended considering the impact plantar warts have on the quality of your life. The tricky part is that warts spread easily, including through self-infection. The good news is that warts are preventable through certain simple measures. Below are measured to prevent or avoid spreading plantar warts.
Ensure your feet are clean and dry
Wet skin is susceptible to the virus. Keeping your legs clean and dry makes it easier to keep the skin stronger and healthier. This minimizes the infection even when you are at high risk, such as for children, older adults, and individuals with a compromised immune system. Hacks such as wearing breathable shoes help, which you can complement with moisture-wicking socks.
Protect your feet
Environments such as public swimming pools, gym showers, and locker rooms are the common plantar warts hot spots. The human papillomavirus (HPV) strain that causes warts lingers in such often warm, wet, and dark environments. This means you are easily exposed to the virus when your feet are unprotected. Besides plantar warts, you are likely to contract toenail fungus or athlete’s foot in such areas. Minimizing contact in such areas, such as by wearing sandals as you get around, helps mitigate plantar warts risks.
Avoid direct contact
While plantar warts are less contagious in person-to-person contact, direct contact should be avoided. This includes touching your warts since they can spread to your hands and other healthy skin areas. You should thoroughly wash your hands when you come into contact with a wart, such as when nursing warts or caring for your child. You should also avoid picking or scratching warts since it could even result in a bacterial infection, which can cause notable pain.
Disinfect tools
Pedicure tools like an emery board or pumice tone make your work easier and more productive. Nonetheless, they can facilitate warts spread if not well maintained. You should sanitize the tools after use. Moreover, it is recommended that you do not use the same tool that comes into contact with warts in healthy areas.
Plantar warts may only be an unsightly concern, and with proper care, you can stop their spread and facilitate better recovery. However, you should visit your doctor if you notice concerns like changes in color and shape. If plantar warts bleed, you experience excess pain, you have diabetes, or your immune is weakened, such as by HIV or immune-suppressing drugs, you should also seek medical attention. You should also visit your doctor if plantar warts clear out but recur after some time. Contact The Sunset Foot Clinic today for all your warts-related concerns.
