How to treat and get rid of plantar warts

If you’ve ever had a wart on your foot, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only are they unattractive, but they can also be quite painful. The human papillomavirus, or HPV, causes warts, and there is no definitive way to treat them. Many people look for plantar wart removal methods that work, but the truth is that warts usually disappear without treatment. But it takes patience – warts can last for months or even years. And in the meantime, they can be pretty painful, especially if they’re on your heel or another weight-bearing area of your foot.

Several over-the-counter treatments can help remove warts, but they don’t work for everyone. Several home remedies can also be effective if you’re looking for a more natural approach.

Home remedies

Several home remedies can be effective in treating plantar warts. These include:

• Apple cider vinegar: This natural acid can help break down the wart tissue. Drench a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, then apply it to the wart. Cover it with a Band-Aid and leave it on for six to eight hours. Repeat this process until your wart is gone.
• Garlic: Garlic has natural antiseptic properties that can help fight the virus that causes warts. Cut a fresh garlic clove in half and rub it over the wart. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash it off. Repeat this twice a day until the wart is gone.
• Tea tree oil: This essential oil has antiviral and antiseptic properties that can assist fight the virus that causes warts. Put a few drops of tea tree oil on the wart daily.

Note: Not all home remedies are effective for everyone. If one doesn’t work, try another.

Things to keep in mind

There are some things to remember when treating plantar warts at home:

• Don’t pick at your warts. It can spread the virus and make the wart worse.
• Don’t share towels or other personal items with someone with a wart.
• After coming into contact with a wart, wash your hands.
• Don’t walk barefoot in public places like locker rooms or pool areas.

Note: Before attempting any home treatment, consult your doctor if you suffer from diabetes or some other condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet.

When to see a doctor: 4 treatments

In most cases, plantar warts will disappear on their own without treatment. But if the wart is large, painful, or spreading, you should see your doctor. You should also visit your doctor if you suffer from diabetes or another illness that causes poor blood flow to your feet.

Your doctor may prescribe a more robust treatment, such as:

1. Prescription-strength salicylic acid

This is a higher concentration of the over-the-counter treatment. Your doctor will apply the acid directly to the wart and may cover it with a bandage.

2. Cryotherapy

This treatment involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. Your doctor will apply the liquid nitrogen directly to the wart. The cryotherapy freezing process can be painful, so your doctor may give you a local anesthetic to numb the area first. This one is what my doctor recommended for me.

3. Oral or injectable medications

These medications, such as interferon or cidofovir, boost your immune system’s ability to fight the virus.

4. Surgically remove plantar warts

In some cases, your doctor may need to remove the wart surgically. Laser surgery or electrosurgery is usually quick and has a low risk of side effects.

Who to see for plantar wart removal?

Warts are growths on the skin that are caused by viruses. Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet and can be painful. If you have a plantar wart, you may wonder who you should see for treatment.

A podiatrist is a doctor who focuses on foot and ankle problems. For example, if you have a plantar wart, you may want to visit a podiatrist for treatment. Podiatrists can prescribe medications or use procedures such as cryotherapy to remove warts.

If you have insurance, check with your insurance company to see if podiatrists are covered under your plan. You may also want to call a few local podiatrists to ask about their fees.

Conclusion

These are just a few things to remember regarding plantar wart removal. If you have any further questions, be sure to ask your podiatrist. Moreover, never hesitate to try out different methods until you find one that works.

For me, cryotherapy worked to remove the growths after home remedies did not solve the issue. My doctor helped me with several treatments in the office.

Have you recently had a plantar wart removed? How did it go? Share your experiences in the comments below.