A Step By Step Guide to Plantar Warts
Finding an unusual bump on the bottom of your child’s foot can be alarming, especially if it causes pain when they walk. If you are wondering what that rough spot is, there is a high probability it is a plantar wart.
Spotting this stubborn, unpleasant problem early is the key to preventing its spread or recurrence. Step by Step Family Foot Care explains in the following blog.
Identifying Plantar Warts on Kids
Plantar warts are raised skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus. Children are especially susceptible to catching this virus in warm, moist environments.
You can usually identify a plantar wart by looking for a few distinct visual characteristics:
- The growth will typically have a rough, grainy texture that disrupts the natural lines of the skin on the bottom of the foot.
- You might also notice a tiny black dot in the center of the bump. While people often call this a wart seed, it is just a small, clotted blood vessel.
- Because these growths form on weight-bearing areas like the heel or the ball of the foot, your child might complain of sharp pain or discomfort when standing or walking.
How to Prevent the Spread of HPV
Preventing warts requires minimizing your child’s exposure to the virus and practicing diligent foot hygiene. Here are five steps to help you get the job done.
- HPV thrives in damp public spaces, so you should always make sure your kids wear shower shoes or sandals in locker rooms and around swimming pools.
- Because the virus multiplies rapidly in moist environments, it is crucial to keep their feet clean and completely dry throughout the day.
- Teach your children never to share personal items like towels or shoes with their friends.
- If they already have a wart, remind them to avoid touching or picking at it, as this can easily spread the viral infection to other areas of their feet or hands.
- Fortifying their immune system with a healthy diet can also reduce their overall susceptibility to the virus.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that stress makes you more vulnerable to HPV and subsequent plantar warts! Take some ‘me time’ when you can. Doctor’s orders!
When to Seek Professional Treatment
Wart treatment depends heavily on the size, location, and severity of the growth.
While over-the-counter medications containing salicylic acid can sometimes resolve very small bumps, they are often not strong enough for stubborn cases.
- You should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if your child’s warts are painful, spreading to other areas, or completely resistant to home treatments.
- A podiatrist can provide advanced, highly effective treatments like cryotherapy to freeze the growth or targeted laser therapy to eradicate the virus at its source.
It is especially important to seek professional care immediately if you notice multiple warts forming or if they are located on high-pressure weight-bearing areas that make it difficult for your child to walk comfortably. And if you need help clearing up a stubborn skin issue, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation!
Step By Step Family Foot Care is here to assist you with your podiatry needs! To make an appointment with Dr. Debra B. Manheim, call us at (973) 917-3785 or visit our site to schedule an appointment. The staff at our Parsippany office is ready to help.
