Plantar Wart Treatment in Maryland
Plantar warts (verrucae) are small growths on the soles or toes caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Pressure from standing and walking pushes warts on the bottom of the foot inward, flattening them and making them painful. The podiatrists at Foot Centers of Maryland remove stubborn plantar warts for children and adults at our Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Timonium, and Reisterstown, MD offices.
Request an AppointmentCauses and Symptoms
Warts spread through direct or indirect contact with the virus, especially in public spaces:
- Causes: Contact with HPV in warm, moist places like pool decks, locker rooms, and communal showers.
- Pain: Warts are typically painful when squeezed from side to side.
- Appearance: Rough, grainy growths, sometimes with tiny dark pinpoints (clotted blood vessels).
- Location: Most common on the ball of the foot, heel, and other pressure points.
- Spreading: Warts can multiply into clusters (mosaic warts) and penetrate deep into the sole.
Is It a Wart or a Callus?
Warts are often mistaken for corns and calluses. Calluses usually hurt with direct pressure, while warts hurt when pinched and interrupt the normal skin lines. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin growths.
Treatment Options for Wart Removal
Treatment aims to destroy infected tissue or trigger your immune system to fight the virus:
- Topical Therapy: Prescription-strength acids combined with debridement to remove infected layers.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.
- Surgical Excision: Removing large or resistant warts under local anesthesia and treating the base to prevent recurrence.
- Swift Microwave Therapy: A fast, non-invasive option that uses microwave energy to stimulate the immune system to attack the virus, with no open wound.
Why Professional Treatment Works Better
Over-the-counter treatments are often too weak to reach the deep layers of a plantar wart. Professional care ensures the treatment is strong enough to eradicate the virus, reducing the risk of spread and recurrence. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation should always see a podiatrist rather than using home wart remedies.
Preventing Plantar Warts
Wear sandals in public showers and pool areas, keep your feet clean and dry, avoid touching warts, and do not share towels or footwear. Seeing your podiatrist when a wart first appears makes it easier to treat. Explore our full list of conditions treated.
Plantar Wart FAQs
What causes plantar warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters through tiny breaks in the skin, often in warm, moist public places like pools and locker rooms.
Are plantar warts contagious?
Yes. Warts can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces and can multiply on your own foot.
Why won’t my wart go away with drugstore treatment?
Plantar warts often grow deep into the skin, and over-the-counter products are usually too weak to reach the entire wart.
What is the best treatment for stubborn warts?
Options include prescription topical therapy, cryotherapy, excision, and Swift Microwave Therapy. Your podiatrist will recommend the best approach for your wart.
Is wart treatment safe for children?
Yes. Many wart treatments, including Swift Microwave Therapy, are safe and well tolerated by children.
Can warts come back after treatment?
Warts can recur if the virus is not completely cleared, which is why professional treatment and follow-up are important.
How can I tell a wart from a callus?
Warts usually hurt when squeezed from the sides and may have small dark dots, while calluses hurt with direct pressure. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis.
Get Rid of Stubborn Plantar Warts
Stop living with painful warts. Call (410) 844-4700 - Overlea Office, Mercy Office, Reisterstown Office, Glen Burnie Office, or Lutherville Office or request an appointment at our Overlea, Mercy, Glen Burnie, Lutherville, or Reisterstown office.