Plantar WARTS 
Warts are small skin growths (non-cancer) caused by the Human Papilloma virus (HPV). This virus infects the top layer of skin. Plantar warts are on the plantar surface (sole) of the foot. They are contagious. Plantar warts can be spread from one location to another on the same person. This is common if the person "picks" at the wart. They can also spread from one person to another. This can happen either by direct contact or indirectly when both people walk on the same floor. It is easy for the virus to enter the skin thru small cuts and scratches.
Warts can appear at any age. They are more common in children, adolescents and young adults. They are uncommon in the elderly. A wart's appearance varies with its location. Most warts will go away without treatment after a year or two. Others persist for years or come back. Warts may itch and they may also bleed.
 | Common warts have well-defined borders and a rough surface. They vary in size, usually 2mm to 10mm. They are firm to the touch and vary in color from light gray to skin tone to brown. They occur most often on the backs of the hands. They can also appear on the knees and elbows. These warts usually are painless. |
| Plantar warts occur on the bottom (sole) of the foot. They are flattened by the pressure of walking and standing. They can be covered with tiny, dark pinpoints. These are small, clotted blood vessels. Plantar warts often are painful because of the pressure of standing and walking on them. Sometimes corns and calluses are mistaken for plantar warts. Corns and calluses look different because they do not have the dark spots. Plantar warts can be resistant to treatment and may require repeated treatments. |
| Mosaic warts can appear on the feet. They are clusters of many small plantar warts. |
Diagnosis
Warts usually are diagnosed clinically based on their location and appearance. They can also be diagnosed by viewing the tissue under a microscope.
Treatment
Many people have plantar warts treated because of pain. Treatment of plantar warts ranges from over-the-counter liquids and patches to burning the wart to using prescription acid compounds.
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call today for an appointment.