Plantar warts are non-cancerous growths that form on the bottoms of the feet. While plantar warts sometimes look similar to calluses or corns, these growths are actually infections caused by a certain virus. Plantar warts affect people of all ages, but infect more children than adults, notes KidsHealth from the Nemours Foundation.
Definition
MayoClinic.com describes plantar warts as gray or brown bumps that are small and flat with tiny black dots on the surface. These dark specks are actually small blood clots. Plantar warts grow in clusters and easily spread to other areas of the foot. Although these growths are typically harmless, they can be very tender when they form on pressure points, such as the balls of the feet or the heels. This could cause your child to feel discomfort or pain when standing or walking.
Causes
A virus known as the human papillomavirus, also called HPV, causes plantar warts to form. Although the strain of HPV that causes plantar warts isn't very contagious, it thrives in moist, warm places, such as swimming pools, locker rooms and shower floors. This virus enters your child's foot through tiny scratches or cuts in the skin. Scratching or touching plantar warts often causes the HPV to spread to other areas.
Home Treatment
Plantar warts typically respond well to home treatments. Over-the-counter wart removal medications contain salicylic acid, which peels off a little bit of the affected skin each time you apply it. You can also buy nonprescription products designed to freeze off plantar warts, but these products are not as effective as cryotherapy conducted at a doctor's office, according to MayoClinic.com, because the temperature of the at-home treatment doesn't reach as low as the in-office treatment.
Medical Treatment
Plantar warts resistant to home treatments might have to be removed by your child's health care practitioner. Jennifer Hellwig of NYU's Langone Medical Center notes that physicians often treat plantar warts by freezing them, a method called cryotherapy, or by surgically cutting out the affected area. Electrocautery treatment involves burning off the warts. Your child's plantar warts could also be treated with laser surgery, but this method tends to be very expensive and it might take several sessions before the growths are completely gone.
Considerations
The Langone Medical Center reports that children with weakened immune systems, such as those with lymphoma or AIDS, are more likely to contract plantar warts. Kids who suffer from eczema also have a higher risk of HPV infections. Help prevent plantar warts by teaching your child not to walk barefoot in public areas. Have him wear sandals or shoes in pool areas, public showers and locker rooms.
