Plantar warts are a common cause of foot pain. These warts feel like hard lumps, and grow on the soles of your feet. Caused by a virus called human papilloma virus, or HPV, the American Podiatric Medical Association notes that plantar warts occur most often in young adults between the ages of 12 and 16. There are various treatment options, some of which you can do on your own. However, if these methods fail, your doctor can take further action to eliminate the warts.
Step 1
Soak your affected foot in a basin of warm water. Rub the wart with an emery board, then dry your foot.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter plantar wart removal treatment that "freezes" the wart. Apply a cushioned disc, included with most home kits, over the treated area. Cover with a bandage or duct tape and a sock. Wait 24 hours.
Step 3
Apply a different over-the-counter medication which uses salicylic acid, as an alternative. Apply the salicylic acid treatment to clean, dry skin over the wart twice a day for two weeks. Cover with a bandage and socks each time.
Step 4
Repeat the two-week cycle if the first one does not work. Plantar warts can be difficult to eliminate, and it may be a long process. You may repeat the treatment cycle up to four times in a row.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your feet clean and dry. See a podiatrist if you are diabetic; your feet may not heal quickly. See a podiatrist if your plantar wart is severe or does not clear up after one round of over-the-counter treatment. A podiatrist may use a combination of minor surgery and a chemical to freeze and remove the wart.
- Avoid going barefoot in public places, such as locker rooms and at public pools, to prevent acquiring future plantar warts. Do not scratch or pick at your wart, as this could spread the HPV virus. Do not use these products on children younger than 4.
Things You'll Need
- Basin
- Emery board
- Over-the-counter plantar wart medication
- Bandages
- Socks
