Plantar Warts

1. Adult Skin Problems Slideshow
2. Quiz: Is Ringworm Contagious?
3. Gallery of Skin Problems and Images Collection

• Plantar Warts Overview
• What Causes Plantar Warts?
• What Are Plantar Wart Symptoms and Signs?
• What Specialists Treat Plantar Warts?
• When Should Someone Seek Medical Care for Plantar Warts?
• How Do Doctors Diagnose Plantar Warts?
• Are There Home Remedies for Plantar Warts?
• What Are Treatments for Plantar Warts?
• Follow-up for Plantar Warts
• Is It Possible to Prevent Plantar Warts?
• What Is the Prognosis of Plantar Warts?

Warts are caused by an infection of the skin by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common viral infection of the skin. Plantar warts grow on the plantar surface or the sole of the foot. They can be found anywhere in this area but tend to produce symptoms in areas of pressure and friction. The virus that causes warts, the human papillomavirus, infects only the superficial layer of skin, producing a thickened callus-like growth that, if located in an areas subjected to pressure, can become quite tender.

Although warts characteristically resolve spontaneously, it is occasionally necessary to treat painful plantar warts. The incubation period (the period of time between infection and the production of the visible skin lesion) is unknown but estimates vary from months to years. Historical evidence is of little benefit in attempting to determine how one's wart was acquired. There are at least 120 different types of human papillomavirus (HPV), and certain types tend to infect specific anatomical areas, like the plantar surface of the foot. Other HPV types that infect oral or genital mucous membranes are implicated in the development of cervical cancer and other malignancies of the oral or anal lining tissues. HPV infections are ubiquitous infections, with least one-half of adults infected during their lifetime. The current prevalence of plantar warts in adults is unknown, but it is a fraction of the estimated 7%-10% of adults with all types of wart virus infections.

• Plantar warts are seen in all age groups, but they are most common among children 12-16 years of age and rare in the elderly.
• Risk factors for the development of plantar warts include
  • use of public showers,
  • skin trauma, and
  • weakened immune system because of certain medications used or illness.

Must Read Articles Related to Plantar Warts

Corns and Calluses A callus (tyloma) is an area of skin that thickens after exposure to repetitive forces in order to protect the skin. A callus may not be painful. A corn is a ca...learn more >>

Leg Pain There are a variety of causes of leg pain. Some ...learn more >>

Warts Warts are small harmless tumors of the skin caused by a virus called the learn more >>

See the Entire Plantar Warts Topic Guide »