Plantar wart
Content provided by Healthwise
Plantar wart
Plantar warts are noncancerous (benign) skin growths that develop on the bottom of the foot and usually appear as areas of thick, tough skin similar to calluses. They can be on any part of the foot, but they cause the most discomfort when they are on a pressure point such as the heel.
The cause of plantar warts is a virus (human papillomavirus, or HPV). This virus is contagious and may be spread from:
- Warts on another part of the body.
- Contact with another person who has warts.
- Contact with a warm, moist environment, where this virus can thrive.
It takes 1 to 8 months for a plantar wart to appear after a person has first been exposed to the virus. Symptoms and signs of plantar warts may include:
- Pain when walking or standing (it may feel like walking on a pebble).
- A callused area on the sole of the foot surrounding or covering a wart. The size of the callused area may range from the size of a pinhead to a few inches (or centimeters) in diameter.
- A tiny, dark dot or dots in the center of the wart (not always visible).
Plantar warts are often hard to get rid of, no matter what treatment is used, and they often recur. But within 2 years or so, warts usually disappear with or without treatment. Treatment to get rid of warts may include nonprescription and prescription medicines or minor surgery.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
