Mid-Michigan Foot & Ankle Center specializes in quality foot care and our staff is ready to help. Here are some simple questions our office recommends if you suspect you have a wart on any part of your foot.
What is a Plantar Wart?
A plantar wart is a benign skin growth caused by a viral infection on the top layer of the skin. They can be hard and flat, black or brown and mostly show up on the soles of the feet. Although they are rather harmless and usually go away on their own, they can still be painful.
What causes a Plantar Wart?
A virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through cuts and bruises and becomes highly contagious. It spreads through public pools, showers and sharing athletic shoes or going barefoot in the gym.
What are the Symptoms?
Pain on the bottom of the feet while walking is usually the first sign. If you see your skin hardening or thickening around the affected area you should call our office for an appointment.
What type of natural remedies can I try?
- Tea tree oil – message on the wart a couple of times a day
- Apple cider vinegar – soak a cotton ball in the cider and apply to the wart then cover with band aid and let sit overnight
- Lemon essential oil – apply a few drops a day for a week
- Aloe Vera gel - apply generously several times a day and cover with a band aid until the wart dries off
- Cold water – soak in cold water for 15 minutes a day and dry properly
- Podophyllin – a naturopathic ointment.
What type of preventive approaches can I use?
- Cover your cuts or bruises - this keeps infection out
- Don’t touch too often – this could cause the infection to spread
- Wear dry and clean socks – wash or change socks ever day
- No sharing personal items – do not use socks or towels that others have used
- Avoid going barefoot – walking barefoot is an open door to contracting a virus in public places
- Keep your feet dry – if your feet are wet or moist too long a virus can grow
If your preventative efforts have failed or you have tried natural remedies and your wart is being stubborn and won’t go away, you may need to have it removed. Schedule an appointment with either our Saginaw office at 989-790-8009 or our Essexville office at 989-893-5000 and Dr. Andrew H. Cohen will get your feet in shape for Spring.