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What are they?wart2

Warts are very common complaint and most people will end up with one throughout their lifetime. They are caused by a virus – part of the HPV family. As a result they are highly contagious and are often transferred from person to person on surfaces where many people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools and communal showers. Warts are characterised by having their own blood and nerve supply. When trying to diagnose a wart they often have a cauliflower appearance and will have overlying callus when on the bottom of the foot. To diagnose a wart it is useful to apply direct pressure down and then try squeezing the lesion. A wart will be painful on compression whereas a corn will be painful on direct pressure, although it is worth having a healthcare professional diagnose this for you.

Treatment

It is important to note that over 50% of warts will resolve on their own with no treatment within 12 months. Therefore if it is not causing problems and not spreading,  it may be worth not treating. However if causing problems or not resolved within 12 months it may have to be treated. There is a large array of wart treatments available with varying levels of success. As a Podiatrist is well versed in different treatment methods they will be able to develop a treatment plan which should help with the removal of your wart.

 

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  • What causes warts?
    They are caused by a virus - part of the HPV family. As a result, they are highly contagious and are often transferred from person to person on surfaces where many people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools and communal showers.
  • Do I need to see a podiatrist if I have a wart?
    If you have a wart on your foot, it is recommended that you do see a podiatrist for an assessment. It is important to note that over 50% of warts will resolve on their own with no treatment within 12 months. Therefore, if it is not causing problems and not spreading, it may not be worth treating. However, if the wart is causing problems, or not resolved within 12 months, it may have to be treated. There is a large array of wart treatments available with varying levels of success. As a podiatrist is well-versed in the different treatment methods, they will be able to develop a treatment plan which should help with the removal of your wart. If the wart is not responding to traditional treatment methods, you may be referred to a dermatologist.
  • How does a podiatrist treat warts?
    A podiatrist uses a variety of different treatment methods including cryotherapy (dry ice), silver nitrate and salicylic acid. At home, you can also apply other natural treatments between sessions with your podiatrist including banana peel and lemon essential oil.
  • Does it hurt to have a wart removed?
    Treatments of warts can range from being pain free to being uncomfortable.  This will depend on which treatment you are receiving.
  • How long does it take for warts to heal?
    Unfortunately, there is no set time frame for the treatment of warts.  It can range from a few weeks to a few months. There are many factors at play that may delay healing, including how long the wart has been present, how many warts there are, and how big they are. As warts are caused by a virus, we are also relying on your body's natural healing capacity and ability to fight off the virus to help with treatment. Therefore, those who are immunodeficient or are low in vitamins, such as zinc, may experience delayed healing of warts.
  • What can I do to avoid warts?
    There are some simple things you can do to help avoid your chances of getting warts.  Practice good foot hygiene, including wearing thongs/sandals around the pool or in communal changing rooms; ensure you dry your feet properly; and avoid nail salons and pedicures. If someone in your household has warts on their feet, it is important to wear thongs or sandals in the shower, or if you have multiple bathrooms, have them use a different bathroom to you. Otherwise, regular, thorough cleaning of the bathroom will help to avoid transmission.