Also known as Plantar warts, Verruca pedis, Papilloma

What are they?

Plantar warts are lesions which occur on the feet and toes. They are generally well circumscribed benign lesions which can occur as singular or multiple lesions. Unlike corns which tend to look quite similar, warts have no skin lines running through them, are painful to squeeze and often have small black dots in their centre which represent the blood vessels within the wart tissue. Pinpoint bleeding may occur when they are scratched or debrided (cut) and can become painful when standing or walking.

What causes them?

Warts are caused by a virus. There are many different types of wart viruses, some more resistant than others. The wart virus can be picked up in public showers, swimming centres and walking barefoot over infected areas. Warts tend to be very contagious so family members with warts should take care to prevent spread of the infection.

How are they treated?

• Chemical application (breakdown of the tissues with strong chemical) to the wart lesions. These chemicals are prescription only and can be applied by our trained podiatrists. Resolution of the wart lesion can take multiple visits.
• Boost the immune system (Good diet and vitamin/mineral supplements may be advised).
• Pharmacy preparations/treatments can work for some warts but are often unsuccessful and require stronger treatments.
• Liquid nitrogen application. This can be painful during and after treatment. This treatment also has a high risk of scarring the skin for life.
• Laser therapy. Painful and very expensive and does not always work.
• Surgical removal. Last resort treatment. Invasive, painful, expensive and can result in scarring of the foot for life.

If you are suffering from any form of lesion on your feet, call Kew Foot Clinic on 03 9853 6877 to make an appointment for the appropriate treatment.