Growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus are called plantar warts. The virus enters the body through small cuts and lesions on the feet. The warts most likely grow on the foot's pressure points, such as the ball of the foot or heel. According to MayoClinic.com, treatment of plantar warts is not medically necessary. Still, some people prefer to remove the growth if pain is present or to prevent the spread of the wart. Performing treatment methods at home may resolve the condition; however, MayoClinic.com states the growths may be persistent and difficult to remove.
Salicyclic Acid
Many over-the-counter medications contain salicylic acid as the main ingredient. MayoClinic.com suggests that patients who suffer from plantar warts apply a medication with a minimum of 40 percent of salicylic acid. The acid will slowly dissolve the wart by peeling away layers. The medication often comes in patches applied to the skin or a liquid solution that is brushed on. Patients should apply the liquid medication to the plantar wart two to three times a day, making an effort to avoid healthy skin. The clinic advises patients to slough away dead skin cells between treatments from the wart using an emery board or pumice stone. The home treatment may need to six to eight weeks for successful removal of the plantar wart, according to MotherNature.com. The website adds the size and depth of the wart also determines how successful home treatment will be.
Duct Tape
In the October 2002 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, duct tape was reported to be more effective and less painful to remove plantar warts than liquid nitrogen. The plantar wart is covered with a small portion of duct tape for about six days. After removing the duct tape, patients should soak the wart in water to soften the tissue and then file with an emery board or pumice stone. The treatment generally is repeated for two months, or until the warts resolve. According to MayoClinic.com, some researches feel the alternative treatment method irritates the skin and encourages the body's immune system to attack warts. The clinic adds duct tape therapy may be combined with salicylic acid medications.
Footbath
Drying out the feet and toughening the skin may cause plantar warts to disappear, reports MotherNature.com. The website suggests mixing a drying agent such as domeboro, or aluminum acetate, with water and soaking feet in a water basin for about 15 minutes. The Readers Digest book "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems" advises soaking feet in hot water for 15 minutes daily to remove plantar warts. The book recommends the water be between approximately 110 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit with one part vinegar to four parts water added for additional relief.
References
- CBS News: Duct Tape Therapy
- MayoClinic.com: Plantar Fasciitis
- Madigan Army Medical Center: Dermatology Referral Guidelines
- MotherNature.com: Plantar Warts
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Readers Digest; 2004.
