Wart Treatments

Plantar warts treatment may not look or feel pleasant, but it can mean the difference in standing and walking comfortably. If you are among the millions of people who suffer from painful plantar warts, there is hope. Many effective treatments are available both over the counter and, for more troublesome cases, by prescription.

The most important factor in any case is to strike quickly while the warts are still small. The smaller the wart, the easier it is to remove.

Caused primarily by the HPV, or human papilloma virus, plantar warts are hard, scaly growths which occur on the base of the foot, usually in the areas that receive the most pressure such as the heel and the ball of the foot. While the causes and symptoms may vary, treatment for plantar warts is generally simple and usually effective. The key to treatment is to identify the warts as soon as possible and consult with your doctor to find out which are the most effective remedies for your particular case.

Occurring most regularly in pre-teens and teenagers, plantar warts can often be the result of using shared areas such as showers and locker rooms, where the warm, moist conditions allow viruses to flourish. While most warts will eventually go away on their own, plantar warts can be particularly painful because of their location. If the pain becomes severe enough, they can even affect the posture, leading to back pain. Plantar warts treatment can offer tremendous relief, but it will generally take several weeks for any treatment to be completely successful, so you will need to be patient.

Once your doctor has made a diagnosis, you can begin treatment for plantar warts immediately. You can take a few easy self help measures to relieve the pain, including applying a donut shaped piece of moleskin to the area around the wart, in order to ease the pressure on the wart itself. Because the virus that causes the problem thrives in warm, moist environments, it is imperative that you keep your feet dry and wear socks made of a moisture wicking material. You can also use cotton socks, as long as you remember to change them frequently.

The most popular and effective course of plantar warts treatment is the application of a salicylic acid preparation such as Compound W. These medications are available over the counter at most pharmacies and will effectively burn off the wart over a course of weeks, depending on the size of the warts. Larger warts may take several months to completely disappear.

After soaking the affected area in warm water for five minutes and then applying the salicylic acid you can remove any loose tissue with a cloth or emery board and dry carefully. In most cases, over the counter plantar wart remedies will do the trick, however if symptoms should worsen or persist for more than a few weeks, it may be necessary to see your doctor for stronger treatment.

Other types of treatment for plantar warts include immersing the affected area in hot water for 90 minutes a day. While this is gentler than applying salicylic acid, it can take several months for this method to be completely effective. You can also apply Vitamin A once a day, breaking open a capsule and rubbing the liquid directly on the wart. Again, it can take as long as nine months for this particular treatment to produce results.

If your warts fail to respond to home remedies, it may be necessary for your doctor to prescribe a stronger medication or resort to other means of plantar warts treatment. Salicylic acid treatments are available by prescription in both liquid and paste forms. More powerful than over-the-counter versions, these medications can burn away the wart over a course of weeks. In the most persistent cases, your doctor can freeze off the wart or simply cut it away under a local anesthetic.

Plantar warts can be a frustrating and painful fact of life, but you don't have to suffer in silence. If you are experiencing tenderness and pain on the heels or balls of the feet, consult your doctor today and find out which treatments will work best for you. You can say goodbye to your warts and start putting your best foot forward in no time!

Scott LeRoy has been researching and analyzing dermatological applications and treatments for many years. He is a regular contributor to Skin Diseases, a section of http://www.skinsite.com dedicated to conventional and alternative treatments of various conditions.