If you feel a sharp stabbing pain in your feet every time while strolling, it is definitely not a stone in your shoe! If you see small raised bumps on your then, it is a plantar wart. Now, you must have plenty of questions about warts, and the burning one must be, “Are they contagious?” Well, we are here with answers.
What Are Plantar Warts?
The name literally means warts on feet. They are growths that appear on the weight-bearing areas of the feet, usually the heel or ball of the foot.
Plantar warts are quite painful, which aggravates while walking. The culprits behind this issue are human papillomavirus (HPV). They find their way into your skin through tiny cuts or vulnerable areas.
While you may think that your immune system will help fight the HPV virus, this sneaky germ doesn’t always activate our immune response.
Usually, the attack is the surface level of your skin – the epidermis. That is why they go undetected by our immune system, causing plantar warts to develop.
Are Plantar Warts On Feet Contagious?
Yes! Not just on feet but anywhere on the skin, plantar warts are contagious. But there is a catch to it. You must come in direct contact with the infected person to get HPV.
Plantar warts are easily transmitted within households, particularly amongst those who share shower and floor areas. These warts thrive in warm, damp places, so it is a must to take precautions in places like gyms and aquatic centers.
Common Signs
The good news is that you can easily spot the growth of plantar warts with the naked eye. Plus, you may see other signs and symptoms too that include the following:
- Mild to moderate pain when walking or standing when the pressure is put on the wart.
- Visible dots appear with the wart.
- Irregular, grainy lesions on the sole of your feet near the toes or heel.
How to Avoid the Spread of Plantar Warts?
Prevention is better than cure. Follow these tips to prevent this condition.
- Do not share footwear like socks.
- It is best to avoid walking around barefoot in wet or damp areas. Common areas include changing rooms and pool sides.
- Ensure you use dry and clean socks.
- Steer clear of damp footwear.
- Stop sharing towels, razors, or other hygiene-maintaining items.
Treatment
Usually, warts go away themselves; however, it may take a long time which may be up to two years. That is why it is not feasible to let it run its course.
Doctors offer treatments that include the use of immunotherapy drugs to aid your body. Other than that, salicylic acid is good for making the wart dissolve its layers.
If the first line of defense does not work, physical removal is the way to go. There are 3 ways they surgically remove contagious plantar warts:
- An electric needle to destroy the wart base.
- Use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart till it blisters and drops off. This process is known as cryotherapy.
- Micro excision to cut the wart out with no harm to the surrounding skin.
Closing Note
You can always contact health care experts from Family Diagnostic Clinic to know the root cause of your problem. Dial (281) 351-6800 to connect with us right away.