Not only are warts on feet unsightly, but they can often cause pain and rubbing when they are left untreated for too long. While this is a very common skin condition, you may find that feet warts get in the way of you walking or standing for too long at one time. Even if it is not a serious medical condition, the sooner you learn how to treat warts on your feet, the quicker you’ll be able to get back to your everyday activities with ease. Keep reading as we discover how to treat warts on feet, or ask Kin Body and Sole for more information about the treatments we offer.
What are Feet Warts?
Feet warts, which are known medically as plantar warts, are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These growths often appear on the soles of the feet and can cause discomfort or pain, especially when you are walking or standing. Although they are not usually very serious, treating plantar warts effectively and efficiently is important to stop them from spreading and avoid them coming back again. Feet warts are caused by direct contact with HPV, which thrives in warm and moist environments such as swimming pools and changing rooms. The virus infects the outer layer of your skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, leading to the development of warts.
Plantar warts are small, rough growths on the soles of the feet. They may have tiny black dots, which are just clotted blood vessels. While some warts disappear on their own over time, many stay for months if not treated and can cause pain due to pressure when walking. This is why it’s essential to look at options such as Swift verruca treatment as soon as you can to clear your skin up and avoid pain in your everyday life.
Effective Feet Warts Treatment Options
There are many different options on offer for you to consider when it comes to feet warts treatment. These are a few of the most popular options to consider.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
One of the most commonly used treatments for plantar warts involves over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid. They work by gradually softening and dissolving the layers of the wart. To apply the product, begin by soaking the infected foot in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin. Use a pumice stone to gently file away dead skin before applying the product. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the best chances of fully removing the verruca with this type of treatment. This treatment can take several weeks to months to work, depending on the size of the wart.
Prescription Treatments
If store-bought methods don’t work for you, a doctor may prescribe stronger treatments. These may include topical medications, immunotherapy, or injections. Some stubborn warts can be treated with injections of antigens or bleomycin directly into the wart, but other people are able to find relief with prescription-strength salicylic acid.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which causes the wart tissue to die and fall off. This treatment is available both professionally in medical clinics and at home. If you have a larger or more stubborn wart, we always recommend undertaking this treatment with a healthcare professional. At-home kits are convenient but may not be as effective as professional treatment. Make sure you protect the skin surrounding the wart to avoid damaging this also with cryotherapy.
Laser Therapy
Verruca laser treatment is an option for persistent plantar warts after you’ve tried other treatment options. The treatment usually uses a focused beam of light to destroy wart tissue. Laser therapy does have a higher cost but can be highly effective. The Swift verruca procedure is a popular modern option to fight feet warts. It uses a controlled heat source to stimulate the body’s natural defenses and promote healing.
Surgical Removal
In extreme cases, a wart may be surgically removed if other treatments don’t work. This is usually performed under local anaesthesia and involves cutting out the wart. Keep in mind that surgical removal can leave a scar and does not guarantee the wart will not return. We recommend that you try all other options suggested here today before trying surgery as a last resort.
Treating warts requires patience, consistency, and the right approach. While over-the-counter remedies like salicylic acid are often effective for most people, professional treatments like laser verruca removal are available for painful and persistent warts. You’ll want to support the healing process with good hygiene to avoid recurrence and future health issues for your feet. Are you struggling with treating a stubborn wart on your feet? Contact us today for more information about the treatment options we offer and how we can support you with wart removal.