Plantar Warts

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• Plantar Warts Overview
• Plantar Warts Causes
• Plantar Warts Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Plantar Warts Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Plantar Warts Overview

Warts are the most common infection of the skin caused by a virus. Plantar warts grow on the plantar, or bottom surface of the foot. They tend to be found in areas of pressure such as the heel and ball of the foot. Plantar warts often grow into the deeper layers of skin because of the pressure they receive because of their location.

Generally, warts go away on their own with time, but plantar warts should be treated to lessen symptoms, especially pain, to decrease duration of symptoms, and to reduce transmission to others. Because the incubation period for warts is from 1-20 months, it is difficult to tell exactly when the virus was introduced into the body.

Plantar warts may cause pain, particularly when walking. They may spread to other sites. They do not, however, usually spread to areas that are a different kind of skin. In other words, plantar warts do not spread to the genitalia.

• In the United States, 7-10% of people have warts.

• Plantar warts are seen in all age groups, but they are most common among children aged 12-16 years.

• Risks
  
  
  • Use of public showers
    
    
  • Skin trauma
    
    
  • Weakened immune system because of certain drugs used or illness