Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they are generally harmless, warts can be unsightly and sometimes painful. They tend to appear on hands, feet, or other parts of the body and can vary in size and appearance. Understanding what causes warts and how to treat them can help you manage them effectively.
Understanding Warts
Although warts are usually harmless, they can be bothersome. Warts are caused by HPV, which infects the top layer of the skin. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions, leading to abnormal skin cell growth. Since HPV is contagious, warts can spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces, such as towels or public swimming pool areas. Warts typically appear on hands and feet and can easily spread to other areas of the body.
Types of warts include:
- Common warts
- Plantar warts
- Flat warts
Most warts resolve on their own over time, but they can take months or even years to disappear. Treatment options are available if a wart is causing pain, spreading, or affecting appearance. Your podiatrist can apply cryotherapy to the wart and freeze it off completely. This form of treatment may take more than one session to take full effect.
Proper foot hygiene is important to avoid warts. This also means wearing shoes in communal areas like locker rooms and pools, where bacteria can thrive. You should avoid sharing personal items and always wear clean socks after washing your feet daily.
Contact Our Podiatrist Today
Make sure you understand what warts are and how they could affect you. Contact your podiatrists at Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic in Normal, IL, at (309) 452-3000 for more information and to schedule your appointment today.