Warts commonly appear on the feet. Regardless of the type, they are all caused by a virus, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a contagious virus that is transmitted through both direct and indirect contact. Certain strains of HPV cause an overgrowth of keratin, a protein found in skin, nails and hair. These growths, or warts, are non-cancerous, though they can be painful, unsightly and irritating. Treatment of warts can be difficult and frustrating.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts, often mistakenly called "planters warts," appear on the sole, or plantar, region of the foot. They are often brown or gray in color, and have small, black dots interspersed throughout their surface. These dots are sometimes referred to as "wart seeds," though nothing could be further from the truth. The dots are simply tiny blood vessels that feed the warts. Plantar warts are hard and flat, unlike the rounded, fleshier warts that appear on other parts of the body.
Plantar warts are particularly common in young children and teenagers. The American Podiatric Medical Association theorizes that some people are immune or have built up immunity to the virus that causes warts. Though the strain of HPV that causes this particular type of wart is not very contagious, it thrives in warm, wet places, such as those found near swimming pools and in communal showers and locker rooms. The virus enters the body through tiny cuts and abrasions on the feet and months can pass after infection before warts, if any, develop.
Plantar warts are often painful because the weight of the body pressing on them forces the warts to grow inward. For this same reason, plantar warts are difficult to treat. The daily application of salicylic acid compounds and plasters are commonly used to treat this type of wart. Very painful or deep plantar warts should be seen by a doctor, who may decide that their removal, either through freezing, burning, laser therapy, or excision, is necessary.
Mosaic Warts
Mosaic warts are tight accumulations, or clusters, of plantar warts. Mosaic warts often are covered by a callus. To see and treat the warts, the over-lying callus needs to be removed. Once it is, the individual borders of the warts become visible.
Periungual and Subungual Warts
Periungual warts develop alongside fingernails and toenails, while subungual warts grow beneath the nail itself. Because of their location, they are very difficult to treat. Left alone, however, they can disrupt or destroy normal nail formation. Treatment of subungual and periungual warts often necessitates the full or partial removal of the nail.
