Plantar Warts Definition

Plantar warts are hyperkeratotic (Hypertrophy of the cornea or the fragile zone of the skin) lesions on the plantar surface. Plantar warts are among the soft tissue problems and they are one the most common viral infection (caused by viruses not bacteria) with a small growth of the skin. It is a frequently seen a skin infection which develop on the sole of the foot, where they are usually flattened by the pressure of walking and surrounded by thickened skin. Although plantar warts potentially may develop anywhere on the foot, it typically appears on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Most of the plantar warts are harmless. It is not a cancerous skin growth. The development period of the plantar warts may vary from 1-20 months.

The main cause of plantar warts is HPV (Human Papillomavirus). HPV simply come in the body through tiny cuts and breaks in the skin. HPV usually attacks the skin through little or hidden cuts and abrasions. Plantar warts may appear on the top of the foot, or on the toes with a color of brown or gray and a black on the center. Sometimes different color may take place. They may be present with different shapes and sizes. Plantar warts may be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well defined borders. Although it may give patients a discomfort because of pain (especially when walking), plantar warts do not represent a severe disease condition. However resistance to the therapy may be an issue. Thus for getting rid off this condition, patients usually refer to a doctor (a podiatric physician; foot doctor). The goal of the therapy includes:

1. Reducing the pain
2. Lowering the duration of the symptoms
3. Shorten the course of the disease period
4. Reducing transmission to others

Although technically, they may spread to other sites and can develop anywhere of the skin; this usually does not happen. (It is not seen on the genitalia). However they develop into the deeper layers of the skin. The main reason behind this is the pressure that comes from the subject area. Sometimes they are confused from calluses and corns. But the differential diagnosis can be made by simply observing the tendency to produce pinpoint bleeding when the surface is pared away. Plantar warts is a problem for all people in all ages. Comparing to adult population, teenagers (especially aged 13-17 years) are more vulnerable to plantar warts. In United States, almost 10% of the teenagers develop plantar warts. The risk of developing this disease increases as the population uses public showers, walking around the changing rooms without slippers or footwear. The skin trauma and the weakened immune system also make the population more susceptible to disease.

What are the types of plantar warts?

Today we know that there are two types of plantar warts:

1. Mosaic Warts: This group represent a cluster of various small warts that are gathered in a specific area.
2. Solitary Warts: This group of represent plantar warts that increases in size. In addition they may multiply and establish satellite warts.

What are the complications of plantar warts?

It is important to start the treatment as fast as you can to avoid or reduce the risk of possible complications. Please find below the complications of plantar warts:

• Plantar warts may be long lasting
• The HPV may spread into the body and cause new warts before the treatment takes place
• If plantar warts are not treated, warts may develop into clusters named mosaic warts
• A lot of pain may take place
• Patient may not perform their daily routines, or they may experience difficulties like walking, running and etc..