Warts are the most common skin infection caused by the HPV virus. The virus grows in warm, humid environments, such as those created in a locker room or in your shoes when your feet perspire and moisture is trapped. Plantar warts grow on the plantar or lower surface of the foot. Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection. The nasty little virus sneaks into your feet through cuts so small as to avoid detection. Plantar warts can spread quickly on your body, as well as to other people. About 10 percent of teens have warts.
Although they are more frequent in children and adolescents. Risk factors include repeated exposure to HPV (for example, walking barefoot in public locker rooms and common bathroom areas) and having a weakened immune system. In some cases, the virus can be transmitted to the feet from other areas of the body. Plantar warts can be destroyed with surgery, freezing with liquid nitrogen or other chemicals. The CO2 laser is the most effective method of treating warts, but it is also the most expensive method. The treatment used for your plantar warts depends on their location and size, your skin type, and medical judgment.
Lasers produce few scars and are effective in most cases. Salicylic acid patches, applied daily, and good foot hygiene, including regular use of a pumice stone, are often all that is needed. Cryotherapy involves freezing the warts with a very cold solution that destroys the virus and causes the wart to turn black and fall off within a few days. This treatment is ineffective in some cases. Topical application of dilute glutaraldehyde (a virucidal chemical, used for cold sterilization of surgical instruments) is an effective treatment for warts. To reduce the risk of plantar warts, be sure to wear sandals or flip flops for shower.
When you use a public locker room or shower. Use foot powder and change your socks frequently to keep your feet dry. The duct tape therapy "covered their warts with duct tape for six days, then soaked their warts in water and gently rubbed the warts with a cardboard file or pumice stone. Imiquimod cream is an immunotherapy drug that stimulates your body. release immune system proteins to help Avoid warts. You can apply this cream directly on warts. Do not go barefoot in public areas. Wear shoes or sandals in public pools and locker rooms. Do not touch warts. Touching it can spread the virus.
