1. Consider Using Over-the-Counter Remedies with Salicylic Acid
Over-the-counter remedies containing salicylic acid, such as Compound W and Occlusal-HP, can eliminate plantar warts. However, you should exercise caution when using these products, as overuse can dry out the skin. Also, salicylic acid teatments should only be used for short periods of time, especially if you are diabetic or you are pregnant or nursing.
2. Seek Medical Attention if Plantar Warts Become Bothersome
A podiatrist can provide additional remedies and treatments to remove plantar warts if they become painful or bothersome. Recommended approaches include cryotherapy, cantharidin, laser treatment or minor surgery. Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart off. Cantharidin, a substance extracted from a blister beetle, is applied directly to the wart. Laser treatment or minor surgery is used to completely remove the wart. A podiatrist will discuss these options with you to determine the most effective approach to treat your condition.
3. Ask About Alternative Drugs
Another option used to treat severe cases of plantar warts is the immunotherapy topical treatment called Imiquimod (which is also known as Aldara). Additionally, injectable viral medications such as belomycin (also known as Blenoxane) may be prescribed. Both approaches need to be administered by a medical practitioner or podiatrist and are reserved for severe cases of plantar warts. Topical or oral retinoids may also be prescribed to disrupt wart growth and proliferation.
4. Duct Tape?
Duct tape therapy is another plantar warts treatment option, but it's been the source of some debate. Older studies have shown this approach to be effective while more recent studies have questioned its validity. The duct tape approach involves covering common warts with duct tape for 6 days, then soaking the warts in warm water and subsequently filing them with an emery board or pumice stone. You should consult a medical practitioner prior to experimenting with this method.
5. Avoid Walking Around Barefoot
Plantar warts can be spread by person-to-person contact or contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV), so if you have plantar warts or anyone in your home has been exposed to this type of wart, avoid walking around barefoot to reduce the chances of infection or reinfection. Also, cleaning the shower with bleach after each use will prevent spreading of the HPV and plantar warts.
