In Florida spring seems to come at different times every year. This year it is mid February and it is already feeling like spring! Pollen is everywhere, but before we know it the pools will be at full capacity! With the increase in time walking barefoot and in public places we typically see an increase in the dreaded planter warts! Got a painful spot on the bottom of your foot? Feel like you are walking on a piece of glass? Or do you simply have a “callus that won’t go away”? All of these are typical ways plantar warts present to us!
Plantar Warts are actually a viral infection caused by the HPV virus. The reason they seem to pop up more during the warm months is because us temperature sensitive Floridians wait until its good and hot to visit places like water parks and public pools/beaches. The increased foot traffic increases exposure to the virus! Although pesky at times there are three very good treatment options available for warts.
Like I previously mentioned warts are a virus, and the thing about viruses unlike bacteria, they need you in order to survive. Without your cells a virus is worthless! Therefore treatments for warts are actually aimed at your cells and not the virus in particular. Luckily warts only ever take up residence in the epidermis which is the top layer of skin and never penetrate the dermis which is the second layer. Thats right, although they may feel and look deep, they are actually pushing down rather then penetrating down! The first line of treatment for plantar warts is typically a salicylic acid application paired with occlusion. This is effecting in very small warts or those that are caught very early on. Unfortunately, if the virus gets a head start on you, it typically is not strong enough to rid the wart. In those scenarios we have two very effective options. One is Cantherone which is a strong acid that is applied to the wart usually on a few occasions in the office. The application is completely painless and requires no anesthesia. It creates small blisters which slough off the top layer of skin and therefore the wart. If Cantherone is not an option or a more immediate result is desired the wart can be removed. In this case the area is anesthetized with local anesthesia and the wart is effectively scooped out! There is a small superficial wound present which typically heals within 2 weeks!
Regardless of your warts size or shape we have an option for you. There is no reason to continue to walk gingerly or pass your infection to your family! At the first sign of something funky this spring give us a call at Healthy Feet Podiatry and let us solve your problem quick! We can even fix your problem the same day you call!