Swimming pools, wet feet, and public areas share a few things. One similarity between them is that each one is a breeding ground for HPV, otherwise known as human papillomavirus. If you have dealt with this virus before, you already know what can happen if left unchecked! While people usually experience problems like cold sores or genital warts as a result of being exposed to the virus, there are other places it can enter the body. One of those places is your feet.
Plantar warts often grow outwards from the central area of infection. They can lead to small, rough growths underneath a callus. They usually appear on the ball or heel of your foot as those are the most weight-bearing parts of your feet. HPV also sneaks in through cracks in your feet or any other tiny cuts in the skin.
If you develop plantar warts, you’ll need to treat them to eliminate them completely. Below, we’ll cover some facts about plantar warts, but if you want yours removed, visit a chiropodist in Oshawa at the Qureshy Foot & Orthotic Clinic to receive a full diagnosis and treatment.
Signs and symptoms of Plantar Warts include:
Pain while walking and standing
Little black dots near the wart, called ‘wart seeds,’ clotted blood vessels
Grainy lesions near the toes or heel of your foot
Growing warts that cause an excess of calluses
Do Plantar Warts Spread?
Yes, and households should stay on the alert for any outbreaks. HPV is contagious and households often share it through the same shower and floor areas. It also spreads quickly at aquatic centers, public pools, gyms, and any warm, moist environment that you may visit while barefoot.
How Can You Avoid Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are painful and no one wants to deal with them; when you have plantar warts, even standing hurts. Strive to prevent these warts from appearing in the first place. Using hygienic practices in public places like changing rooms, gyms, and poolsides can go a long way in preventing HPV. Here are some of our best tips:
Avoid sharing socks and footwear even in your household
Avoid walking around in bare feet when the ground is damp
Always use clean and dry socks
Do not wear damp footwear if possible
Never share towels, razors, and washcloths
Once you spot one plantar wart, be vigilant and try to treat the problem before it spreads. Even though they may be uncomfortable, do not pick at them. Picking at them will spread the infection and can spread to other parts of your body, such as your face or your hands, which can often be worse than having that pain on your feet. Also, cover your feet when you go to public places. Don’t walk barefoot. By covering your feet, you can prevent your warts from spreading to your other foot or to other people in your home, your gym, or at the public pool.
Should You Seek Treatment?
Since the risk of spreading plantar warts to other parts of the body and other people is so high, it’s best to seek treatment with a chiropodist. They can assess the plantar warts and recommend the appropriate treatment options. All plantar wart treatments should be prescribed and done by a chiropodist. In Oshawa, visit Qureshy Foot & Orthotic Clinic for effective plantar warts treatment.
Once you have plantar warts, it can be hard to get rid of them. Always be alert and practice proper prevention so you can protect yourself from contracting plantar warts.