Description
Caused by one type of the human papilloma virus. This is a wart that grows on the sole of a foot. The area around a plantar wart is a hard, thick patch of skin that may have dark specks. Plantar warts cause pain with walking or weight bearing, and may cause you to feel like you are stepping on a rock.
Symptoms
Hard thick patches of skin on the bottom of the feet, mildly tender but more painful with walking.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Warts can generally be diagnosed simply by their location and appearance. A biopsy may be done.
Other Specific Tests: Biopsy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Dermatology, Telemedicine Dermatology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Warts can generally be diagnosed simply by their location and appearance. A biopsy may be done.
Other Specific Tests: Biopsy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Dermatology, Telemedicine Dermatology
Treatment
Over-the-counter medications can remove warts. Symptoms can be reduced and healing quickened by filing the warts down when damp (for example, after a bath or shower) before applying these medications. Special cushions are available, and can help relieve pressure and pain from the warts. A doctor may prescribe 5-fluorouracil (Efudex). Other treatment options include: cryotherapy (freezing the wart), laser removal, and/or surgical removal.