Warts are a very common presentation here at TFC Podiatry. We very commonly see them in children but also adults. Warts are also known as verruca pedis, typically form on your feet and are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a viral infection that can be passed from person to person through direct skin contact or contact with an infected surface such as communal showers, gyms, public swimming pools, or similar surfaces in your home if another household member has them. Warts are easily passed on, so it is important to have them treated.
Warts often appear as a small raised bump on the skin most common on the soles of feet or toes, this bump can be rough texture or smooth. Often you may also notice small black dots in this area and typically it will be painful to squeeze. All these indicate that it may be a wart.
Treatment
Treatment with a podiatrist for warts usually consists of the following…
- Debridement of warts to expose the tissue.
- Application of treatment solution such as salicylic acid.
- Dressing and offloading of the treated area if needed.
- Regular review to monitor progress and treatment.
Prevention
There are a few simple things you can do to combat warts
- Regularly disinfecting shower and bathroom floors (HPV thrives in warm moist environments)
- Wearing thongs in communal change rooms and around pools.
- If you have a wart, keeping it covered to avoid spreading it to other household members.
Think you have a wart? Tried treating it with over-the-counter treatments from the chemist but still seeing no change? Call us or head to our website to book an appointment with one of our podiatrists.
