Wart Treatment

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts, also known as Verruca Plantaris, are skin infections caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They typically appear as hard, thickened lesions on the soles of the feet and can be quite painful. The virus spreads through direct contact with broken skin, which can occur due to minor trauma or moisture. Unlike common warts found on the knees or elbows, plantar warts are located on the feet and can cause significant discomfort, especially during activities like running or walking.

Managing Plantar Wart

Plantar warts may cause discomfort, leading to compensation and potentially altering your posture, which can cause strain elsewhere in the body. It’s important to address warts if they are spreading, causing significant pain, or are aesthetically bothersome.

Over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective for plantar warts due to their deeper formation and callused covering. Depending on the severity, your podiatrists might use several methods to manage them:

Salicylic Acid

For milder warts, a mild acid such as salicylic acid might be applied topically to the area. This treatment, which requires several applications over weeks, gradually removes the viral cells, allowing healthy skin to replace them.

Cryotherapy

This method involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen. Although it can be effective, it usually requires several sessions, typically spaced a week apart.

Wart Needling and Removal

Wart needling and removal is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat plantar warts.

Performed under local anesthesia, this treatment involves minimal pain, with the primary discomfort coming from the initial injection.

Once the area is numb, a fine, sterile needle is used to puncture the wart. This disrupts the wart tissue and provides better access to the underlying virus. Following this, a curette (a small, scoop-like tool) is used to scrape away the infected tissue, which helps to stimulate the body's immune response.

This procedure doesn’t involve any stitching, and most patients experience only minor discomfort, allowing them to resume normal activities fairly quickly.

Unlike other methods, wart needling is often effective in just one session. However, in rare cases, additional treatments may be necessary for particularly stubborn warts.

Patient Cases

Before Wart Needling

Post Wart Needling

(1 month after)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions are required for wart treatment?

The number of sessions depends on the size, depth, and resistance of the wart. Needling typically requires a single session, while other treatments like salicylic acid or cryotherapy may require multiple visits. Your podiatrist will evaluate your condition and provide tailored recommendations.

Can warts come back after treatment?

While successful treatment often removes the wart, recurrence is possible if the virus persists or if reinfection occurs. Preventative measures, such as good hygiene and avoiding barefoot exposure in public spaces, can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

How effective is needling for treating plantar warts?

Needling is highly effective for stubborn, widespread, or recurrent warts. It helps activate the body’s immune response, which can also address warts in other areas.

Is plantar wart needling painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so there is minimal discomfort during the procedure.

How long does it take to recover wart treatment?

The timeline for noticeable results following wart treatment depends on the chosen treatment method. Salicylic acid and cryotherapy often necessitate multiple sessions and can take several weeks to show progress. In contrast, the needling procedure typically delivers faster outcomes, with a wound recovery period of approximately 1-2 weeks.