Plant Your Feet on the Ground: The Truth Behind Plantar Warts
Kids are notorious for being dirty and covered in germs— hence the term, “snotty-nosed kids.” And by constantly being exposed to germs and other children with even more germs, your child is more susceptible to getting things like warts. Warts are caused by the virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) which can easily be transmitted from one individual to another through things like skin-to-skin contact or even clothes. Prevalent on the hands and fingers, warts typically go away over time or can easily be removed by Chevy Chase Dermatology. Although warts are common amongst children, there is a different type of wart called “plantar warts” that occurs both amongst children and adults. Read on to learn more about plantar warts.
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are a type of wart that reside on either the ball or heel of your foot— where you apply a lot of pressure. Just like with traditional warts, plantar warts are also caused by HPV and can easily be treated by Chevy Chase Dermatology. Although plantar warts aren’t detrimental to your health, they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort even just by walking.
How are they caused?
The most prominent way that plantar warts are caused is when your cracked feet are exposed to a lot of bacteria. For instance, if you swim a lot at a public swimming pool and don’t wear sandals in the shower and restroom.
How are they treated?
If you have plantar warts, they can easily be treated by Chevy Chase Dermatology. During your appointment, the dermatologist will look at your plantar warts to decide the best method of treatment. Typically, cryotherapy (freezing) or salicylic acid will be applied to the bottoms of your feet to get rid of both the plantar wart and the bacteria. If your warts are either too deep or if they don’t go away with these treatments, other types of therapy may be used.
If you or your child have plantar warts, bring them into Chevy Chase Dermatology today. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today!
Category: Medical Dermatology