Warts

Warts are benign (non-cancerous) growths that occur in the skin. Plantar warts are warts that are located on the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot. They are often painful, particularly from pressure caused by standing and walking.

Warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), of which there are many strains. The virus enters the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. Normally the body’s immune system can fight the virus, however in some cases it may take refuge in the skin resulting in warts.

There are many different types of warts and each of them can appear differently. They may appear on their own or in groups, sometimes known as satellite warts or mosaic warts. Warts that appear on weight-bearing surfaces are often painful, because as you walk you are pushing the wart down into the deeper layers of the skin. This is turn may compress small nerves and cause pain.



Surgery involves removal of the wart with or without electrocautery. Sometimes a caustic agent (capable of burning by chemical reaction) such as potassium hydroxide may be used in the absence of electrocautery.