Charlotte University Foot Doctor Explains the Causes of Plantar Warts

September 6, 2017

Plantar warts are small warts that appear on the bottom of your foot. Although they usually don’t cause pain and will disappear on their own, you can lower your risk for developing plantar warts by understanding the causes and symptoms.

Plantar Wart Symptoms

The most obvious sign of a plantar wart is a small, rough lesion on the underside of your foot. They usually appear on your heel or at the base of the toes. If the plantar wart has grown inward, you may notice the skin has hardened or thickened over the wart.

Other common symptoms of plantar warts include:

  • Black pinpoints, which form from clotted blood vessels
  • A lesion in the skin of your foot
  • Pain when walking or standing

Some people are at a greater risk of developing plantar warts than others. Children between the ages of 12 and 16 tend to develop the warts more than other age groups, and people with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of finding plantar warts on their feet. Using public showers or having small cuts on your feet can also increase your risk. If you’re at an increased risk of developing plantar warts, you should be especially observant when looking for symptoms.

Plantar Wart Causes

Plantar warts are caused by an HPV infection in the skin on the soles of your feet. If you have a small cut or break in the skin on your foot, the virus could enter your body. HPV is a very common virus, but only a few strains of the virus cause plantar warts. Not everyone who comes into contact with the HPV strain will develop plantar warts.

Most plantar warts are minor and will go away in time. However, you should visit our University Area podiatrist for treatment for plantar warts if they are painful or bleeding. You should also visit your podiatrist if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system and you notice warts forming on your feet.

If you’re concerned about your plantar warts, contact our office today. You can set up an appointment with our University Area podiatrist to receive treatment for plantar warts and other foot issues.