This is a guest post for our friends at the Payson Utah Podiatry Company – Aspen Foot & Ankle. If you have foot problems or questions, please contact them for a consultation.

What causes plantar warts?

Plantar warts (Verruca Plantaris) result from contact with the HPV virus and are most common among children, teens, and the elderly. While healthy adults are less likely to contract these, it isn’t impossible so take every measure against contraction.

How can you prevent plantar warts?

Once you have experienced the uncomfortable warts, you are more susceptible to being exposed again. Cleanliness of the foot is a high priority in avoiding this fungus. Just because you don’t fit the standard doesn’t mean you won’t be one of the small percentages to get lucky enough to experience some character-building foot problems. So do as your mother taught you:

– wear shower shoes in public showers (like gyms, pools, the beach, and water parks).

– thoroughly wash your feet with soap – often!

– change your socks as often as you brush your teeth.

– be wary of who you share shoes with.

Plantar warts are the result of bacterial fungi too small to be seen. You won’t be able to avoid it like you avoid stepping on unwanted pet presents in the park.

How do you know if you have plantar warts?

Plantar warts start small, like a callus building itself on the bottom of your foot. You may think you’re just building tougher feet. Here are some tell-tale signs that something may be wrong:

– Pain. If walking, or especially running, becomes painful on a specific spot of your foot take preventative measures against warts as soon as possible!

– Tiny black dots. These will look like dirt, but won’t wash off. This is the wart beginning to root itself in your foot. The sooner it is taken care of, the better.

Seek podiatry help especially if you notice the pain and callus becoming worse rather than better. Warts grow deep into the skin of your foot and can eventually root itself deep enough that walking on it becomes nearly impossible.

How do you treat plantar warts?

– First, wash your feet. Notice we said “feet” not “the foot”. Keeping both feet clean will discourage the disease spreading to your other foot. Use soap and warm water.

– Consult a professional about the use of take-home treatments for plantar wart removal.

– Pad the affected area of your foot as well as possible. Grocery stores and pharmacies sell many foot-padding products such as MoleFoam.