Plantar Wart Removal
Plantar Wart Removal: What Really Works?
If you have unsightly warts on your feet, you may be wondering which of the many plantar wart removal options really work. Plantar warts are a condition that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and this is a virus that is easy to contract. This means that these warts, while unsightly and embarrassing to you, are a very common problem. As common as they are, though, most consider them to be ugly and they can also be painful, so it makes sense that you want to sort through the noise and quickly find the removal option that really works best.
At the First Sign
The fact is that it can take several weeks for the first signs of warts to be noticed, as it does take some time for the virus to change the look of the surface of the skin. The warts will start out looking like small indentations in your skin with some of the skin slightly disrupted, giving the appearance that perhaps the area was nicked. Plantar wart removal with at-home remedies at this early stage is generally productive. This can be done through suffocation of the virus through the duct tape method, or through the application of salicylic acid, which can be purchased over the counter.
More Advanced Stages
Plantar wart removal at more advanced stages generally requires a visit to the doctor. The fact is that because the virus is most commonly contracted through wet surfaces, such as a dirty shower or pool area, it is usually the bottom of the feet that is infected. So it is common for the warts to advance to a greater stage before they are noticed. Treatment options here are generally recommended by your doctor, and they may include pulsed dye laser therapy, intralesional immunotherapy, and cryosurgery.
When the Other Options Don’t Work
Plantar wart removal can be tricky. Even when you do catch the warts at earlier stages and make an attempt to treat them before they advance to larger sizes, they may still grow and develop into benign yet painful tumors. If this happens and other treatments fail, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the tumor or bleomycin.
Preventing Them
As you can see, plantar wart treatment and removal can be quite a big hassle. The warts themselves can be painful and unsightly, and many people do try several different treatments before they finally find one that works well for them. The good news is that you can take measures to prevent contraction of this virus. When you are walking on wet surfaces, always wear shoes, and don’t share towels, socks, or other items that may become wet and infected. If you do end up contracting the virus, care should be taken by you to cover your warts when you are walking on wet surfaces so that you do not spread the virus to other people.
Moving Forward
It is a good idea to inspect your feet regularly and to contact your doctor at the first sign of warts. You can definitely start an at-home treatment while you wait for your appointment, but you may find that plantar wart removal is best done when you target the virus and begin attacking it as soon as possible and with the strongest method possible. These can be a headache to get rid of, so you do want to make every effort to prevent them in the first place and to cure them and heal your feet when you first notice the signs of a viral infection in your foot. While one treatment may not be effective, most people are able to cure their issue without surgery when they are proactive about treatment.
