Do your feet hurt when you walk? Is the sensation similar to stepping on a pebble? You may have Verruca Plantaris, or plantar warts. These round, dotted, raised bumps typically appear on the soles of the feet, and yes, they can be unsightly and painful. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney, TX, and Prosper, TX, your podiatrists, Drs. Silvers, Lloyd, and Witt diagnose and treat warts so you enjoy clear, comfortable skin.

Causes of warts

Warts usually appear on the soles of the feet belonging to children, teens and the elderly. These flesh-colored bumps exhibit small dark dots--actually little blood clots--and affect the weight-bearing parts of the foot.

The Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, causes wart growth. As HPV is highly contagious and spreads by personal contact, so, too, do warts multiply. They may appear as solitary lesions, but when ignored, they morph into clusters or mosaics, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Treating warts

At their McKinney, TX, and Prosper, TX, practice, your podiatrists diagnose and treat warts. Most warts have a thickened outer layer, or callus, and fortunately, they usually respond well to very conservative treatments, such as warm soaks at home and application of over-the-counter salicylic acid.

Other warts may require more involved treatments to remove them and keep them from spreading to other areas of the foot and remote parts of the body, such as the hands. These warts respond well to:

• Surgical excision with a scalpel
• Laser removal
• Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, a simple and quick application of chemical cold

Avoiding warts

Drs. Silvers, Lloyd and Witt suggest you prevent these ugly little foot bumps by:

• Washing your feet with soap and warm water daily
• Wearing flip-flops in public gyms and pool areas
• Never picking at existing warts
• Avoiding contact with someone else's warts
• Covering any scrapes or cuts you have on your feet (with band-aids and clean socks)

We can help your warts

No, warts are not fatal, but they are a painful, persistent nuisance. If you suspect you have some, please contact Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in McKinney or in Prosper for an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists. We have ample office hours to accommodate your busy life. Call us at (972) 542-2155.