Plantar warts are hard growths that usually appear on the heels or balls of your feet – areas that feel the most pressure.
Although plantar warts aren’t a serious health concern, they can cause discomfort and pain and may require medical treatment.
How to avoid plantar warts
Plantar warts are caused by an infection in the outer layer of skin on the soles of your feet.
The virus typically enters through cracks in dry skin, cuts or scrapes, and wet, soft skin and thrives in warm, moist environments.
Walking barefoot around swimming pools or locker rooms and communal showers are common breeding grounds for the plantar wart virus.
- Be sure to wear shoes or sandals in communal showers
- Avoid walking barefoot on warm, moist surfaces
- Don’t share razors, towels, socks, or shoes with another person as someone with no visible warts can still be carrying the virus
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Change your socks and shoes daily
- Don’t pick at warts as it will spread the virus
Tips on preventing plantar warts from spreading
- Keep warts covered with a bandage to avoid further infection
- Don’t use the same pumice stone or nail clipper on your infected feet that you use on your healthy skin and nails
When to see a podiatrist
When plantar warts cause pain it can alter your posture and the way you stand, walk or run, and can cause muscle and joint discomfort. In order to avoid prolonged pain, we recommend seeing one of our podiatrists in Sydney if:
- The wart is painful
- The wart changes in appearance or colour
- The wart multiplies and spreads
- The discomfort interferes with daily activities
Remember to keep your feet clean and dry and consult a podiatrist if you think you have a plantar wart.