What are planar warts?

Plantar warts are lesions on your foot, usually on your plantar aspect (the soles of your feet). Although classified as warts, plantar warts don't look like those that grow on your hands or other parts of your body. Usually, plantar warts are fairly flat and rough. They often have little pinpoints of darkness, which is dried blood left behind by ruptured blood vessels.

Although plantar warts are initially small, they can grow to an inch or larger in circumference if you don't get them treated. Clusters of plantar warts can also grow together, a condition known as mosaic warts. 

When you have plantar warts on your heels or the balls of your feet, they’re often painful. You may develop calluses over your plantar warts in time, but that doesn’t generally make warts any easier to bear.

Over time, plantar warts can lead to other problems. For example, you might unconsciously alter the way you walk to reduce pressure on your warts. That can cause gait problems and lead to pain in other parts of your feet. 

What causes planar warts?

Plantar warts are caused by an infection, human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV virus spreads, especially in warm and humid areas. You may develop plantar warts after walking shoeless at a public shower, swimming pool, or gym. Even the smallest break in your skin is enough for the HPV to take hold.

How do you treat planar warts?

The HPV virus is persistent, making it challenging to treat. Fortunately, Dr. Martin offers a highly effective and painless in-office treatment to eliminate plantar warts. Over a series of visits, your plantar warts shrink steadily until all the infected tissue is gone for good.

What is the best way to prevent recurring planar warts?

Once your feet are clear of warts and pain-free, you want to make sure they stay that way. Dr. Martin can offer specific preventive care tips, which may include wearing shoes when you’re in any public place and never sharing socks or tools like nail clippers with others.

To shrink your plantar warts without pain, call Utah Podiatry, a foot and ankle clinic, or use the online appointment tool now.