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Plantar Warts

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



Next: Plantar Warts Causes »

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Plantar Warts

Warts Overview

Warts are small harmless tumors of the skin caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus. The appearance of warts can differ based on the type of wart and where it is located on the body. Most warts are well defined, with skin thickening.

  • Warts are common in children. Most cases occur between ages 12-16 years.
  • Up to 30% of warts disappear by themselves within 6 months. Most will disappear without any treatment within 3 years.

Warts - Causes

Warts are caused by the DNA-containing human papillomavirus (HPV). There are at least 63 genetically different types of HPVs.

  • The virus enters the skin after direct contact with recently shed viruses kept alive in warm, moist environments such as a locker room, or by direct contact with an infected person. The entry site is often an area of recent injury. The incubation time-from when the virus is contracted until a wart appea...

Read the Warts article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Warts, Plantar »

Plantar warts are hyperkeratotic lesions on the plantar surface.

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary