Warts on the soles of the feet or plantar warts can be painful, annoying, and even embarrassing, so knowing how to treat warts on the soles of the feet can reduce pain, discomfort, and eliminate the negative impression that comes with it. Wart treatment may take a long time, but with patience and constant effort, this condition can be treated and cured completely.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Checking for Warts
Step 1. Know that warts are a fairly common problem, and you are not alone in dealing with them
As the name implies, warts on the soles of the feet or plantar warts are called so because they often attack the surface of the soles of the feet.
- The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the cause, and this virus attacks the surface layer of the skin and causes a thickened, callus-like lump.
- This disease more often affects injured or wet skin, but can also occur on dry and healthy skin.
- After exposure to the virus, warts may take up to 6 months to appear. So, it may be difficult to find out the trigger conditions.
Step 2. Recognize that warts are most common in children and adolescents, which may help in the diagnosis process
However, this disease can affect all ages.
Warts are also more common in people with compromised immune systems due to other problems, such as those with chronic skin problems such as eczema, or people who have received organ transplants or have HIV/AIDS
Step 3. Understand that small, small warts are easier to treat, no matter who has them
Some people try to wait for warts to heal on their own, but see no progress within a few weeks, or instead see the warts spreading and getting bigger. So, the best option for you is to seek treatment immediately rather than delaying it.
Part 2 of 3: Trying Home Treatments
Step 1. Use salicylic acid, at home or with medical help if you need further guidance
- Before applying salicylic acid, use a nail file or pumice stone to remove the outer layer of the wart. So, dead skin cells (the callus) can be removed. Once this layer of callus is removed, you will know it because the layer underneath is more sensitive and will hurt if you peel it deeper.
- Soak the soles of the affected feet (or both soles of your feet if both have warts) in warm water for 10-20 minutes before treatment. This will soften the skin and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Make sure the soles of your feet are completely dry after soaking so the salicylic acid plaster can adhere well.
- Apply a salicylic acid patch to the surface of the wart. This treatment is best given right before bed at night. Leave the plaster on overnight and remove it in the morning. Continue this treatment every night until the wart is gone, and 1 to 2 weeks after that to make sure all the HPV virus has been eradicated.
- Keep in mind that the use of salicylic acid is not recommended for people with neuropathy (damage to the nerves). The decreased ability to feel in people with neuropathy can trigger skin damage due to salicylic acid because they can't feel it.
Step 2. Try using masking tape, one of the effective treatments that can be used at home
The effectiveness of masking tape in treating warts is not fully understood. However, a number of scientific studies have shown this treatment to be successful in many people, so it's worth a try.
- Silver duct tape, which is available at most home improvement stores, is better than clear duct tape because it adheres more firmly to the sole of your foot.
- Apply the tape to the sole of the foot (large enough to cover the entire wart) and leave it on for 6 days. If the tape comes off before 6 days, replace it immediately with a new sheet of tape because the goal of this treatment is to cover the wart with tape for a full 6 days. Next, remove the tape for 1 day so the skin can breathe. After removing the tape, soak the soles of the feet for 10-20 minutes in warm water to soften the skin and use a nail file or pumice stone to exfoliate the dead skin cells on the surface.
- Keep in mind that those who successfully treat warts with tape usually show improvement in their condition within 2 weeks, and warts can be completely removed within 4 weeks. If you don't want to wait that long, we suggest you continue reading and try other methods.
- Be aware that if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, problems with circulating blood in the limbs (hands and feet, as doctors call peripheral artery disease), nerve problems (referred to as neuropathy), or other chronic skin conditions, use masking tape. not recommended because it can irritate the skin due to the above conditions.
Step 3. Try exposing the wart to heat (known as "hyperthermia")
In this treatment, the soles of your feet will be soaked in water at about 45 °C for 30-45 minutes, 2-3 times a week.
Step 4. Use garlic
Garlic that is applied and applied to the surface of the wart every night (followed by covering it with a bandage or tape), is known to work on warts in some people.
- Garlic has antiviral properties that may be effective in this treatment.
- If the wart does not improve after 2-3 weeks, continue reading and try other treatment options.
Step 5. Try using tea tree oil
This oil is also known to have antimicrobial properties, and is another "easy" home treatment option. You just need to apply this oil every night to the surface of the wart and cover it with a bandage after that.
Again, if you don't see any signs of warts getting better after 2 to 3 weeks, continue reading and try other treatment options
Part 3 of 3: Trying Doctor's Treatment
Step 1. Have your doctor try cryotherapy (also referred to as liquid nitrogen)
In this treatment, a very cold liquid is exposed to the surface of the skin to destroy the wart by freezing it.
- You may have to visit your doctor several times for several liquid nitrogen treatments before you can get rid of the wart completely. Your doctor may give you a schedule for the frequency of treatment needed. After the wart is gone, you may be advised to use salicylic acid as a follow-up treatment for 1 or 2 weeks to make sure the wart doesn't come back.
- Due to the pain that accompanies liquid nitrogen treatment, this option is not recommended for toddlers. However, older children and adults usually have no problem with it.
- Be aware that there is a possibility of lightening of the skin color (depigmentation) around the treatment area in those with dark skin. If this is considered disturbing your appearance, talk to your doctor for other wart treatments.
- If the discoloration of your skin after the first liquid nitrogen treatment is bothersome, you may want to discontinue it. Skin damage from a single treatment is usually minimal (if any), but it can also be permanent, so you should discontinue it if it bothers you.
Step 2. Try excision to remove the wart
This will be done by a doctor if liquid nitrogen treatment alone doesn't work.
- If the doctor feels this procedure is necessary, a local anesthetic (freezing agent) will first be injected into the skin around the wart.
- Freezing is done to ensure that the excision does not cause pain.
- After the freezing process is complete, the doctor will use a small scalpel to cut or remove the wart from your skin.
- The doctor will likely recommend further treatment to prevent the warts from returning to the maximum.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about other medical treatments
These treatments include cantharidin, 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, and other "immunotherapy" preparations. This option tends to be used last, but is also an option to consult with a doctor.
- The doctor may also consider injecting the wart directly. This action will be carried out by a doctor in cases that cannot be treated with other treatments.
- Finally, the doctor may try laser treatment (or phototherapy). This option is available for patients with warts that don't go away despite other, simpler treatments.
Tips
- If in doubt about whether the lump on your skin is really a wart (and not another disease), you should see a doctor.
- If the wart is red, swollen, oozing pus, or becomes infected, or if you have other irritation around it, it's best to talk to your doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious condition.
