Plantar warts can grow hidden under the skin on the bottom of your foot. The only sign that you have a plantar wart will be a painful bump that hurts when you walk on it. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus that can enter under your skin through cuts and scrapes.
Since plantar warts can mimic other conditions and be hard to identify and treat, you should always see your foot doctor for the correct care. Treating plantar warts involves removing layers of skin and treating the wart with acid or liquid nitrogen. However, preventing warts in the first place is obviously the best way to go.
You can help prevent plantar warts by avoiding the virus that causes warts in the first place:
- Keep your feet clean, dry, and protected—To help eliminate microbes on your feet, wash and carefully dry your feet at least once every day. Always wear clean and dry socks and shoes. Allow your footwear to dry out completely between uses.
- Avoid spreading the virus—Since warts can spread from one part of your body to another, try not to scratch your warts to avoid this cross contamination. The HPV virus is hard to avoid, so always wear protective sandals or shower shoes when using public showers and locker areas to limit your contact with microorganisms.
If you notice a painful bump on the bottom of your feet, you may have a hidden plantar wart. Be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. The foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.
