As the nice weather slowly begins to make its appearance, it is tempting to bring out all of the open-toe shoe options that are available in your closet. These open-style shoes are very fashionable and let your feet feel free in the beautiful weather. You are less likely to sweat in them and get blisters, but they do show off your entire foot. That means the wart that you got not too long after you hit the gym a month ago is sitting out in the open and is hard to ignore. Now that you have the wart, you are probably trying to recall all the information you ever heard about them. Which myth is true and which is false? Read on to learn the truth about that pesky wart.
Myth: Warts are contagious. This myth is indeed true. Warts are caused by a virus that is spread from skin to skin contact. This virus can also be left behind on floors and other surfaces that bare feet touch. Public showers, pools, and gyms are all places where the wart virus loves to grow due to its damp, humid atmosphere.
Myth: Warts can cause cancer. This statement is false. A typical wart that you find on your feet is benign.
Myth: A podiatrist cannot remove a wart. This myth is completely false. A podiatrist is a highly skilled foot doctor who regularly treats patients who suffer from warts. Part of this treatment involves removing the wart from the foot. Most often, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off the wart during an office visit.
Myth: Warts don’t come back after being removed. This is, unfortunately, completely false. There is no cure for the warts virus. This virus is only manageable and requires the patient to regularly examine their feet to be sure that no warts are afflicting the feet. Warts can be prevented with frequent handwashing and cleansing of the feet with warm water and anti-bacterial soap.
If you are suffering from a wart, you do not have to live with it forever. Visit our office and have it removed by a highly trained podiatrist. Call Dr. Andrew H. Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot & Ankle Center, located in Saginaw and Bay City, Michigan. Call 989-790-8009 or make an appointment online today. Not only will you receive quality treatment, you will also learn about your warts.