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Plantar Warts and Palmar Warts

Medically known as verruca, warts are small growths of thickened skin. Plantar warts simply refer to the lesions that occur over your feet’s soles.
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Table of Contents

What are plantar warts and palmar warts?

Medically known as verruca, warts are small growths of thickened skin. Plantar warts simply refer to the lesions that occur over your feet’s soles.

What causes plantar warts and palmar warts?

Warts occur due to infections caused by the human papillomavirus. There are at least 150 types of HPV, of which just a few strains can trigger viral warts.

 

How do palmar warts and plantar warts spread?

These types of warts are spread via contact with already infected skin scales. These infected skin scales can be found on shower cubicles, swimming pools as well as floors of public locker rooms.

Generally, the HPV virus is not very contagious and it’s not known why some people experience plantar warts whereas others don’t. But research shows that the HPV virus is more likely to find its way into your body when your skin is moist. Moist skin allows it to easily penetrate your skin through tiny pores on the skin’s surface.

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What are the symptoms of plantar and palmar warts?

In most cases, viral warts don’t cause any visible, serious symptoms. They also don’t cause any form of pain. With that in mind, viral warts that appear in some parts of the body can possibly cause discomfort, especially those that occur in weight-bearing body areas.
Viral warts are characterised by:

  • A few millimeters to at least a centimeter
  • Rough texture that protrudes out of your skin surface
  • Small darkened spots if examined under a microscope

How are plantar warts and palmar warts diagnosed?

Plantar and palmar warts are diagnosed through a physical examination. In our case, we may also use a small sterile scalpel to help thin the affected area so as to reveal the darkened spot through a medical procedure referred to as paring.

Is there a cure for viral warts?

Currently, there is no cure for plantar warts. Studies show that younger patients who have not had a viral warts infection for a long period boast a higher chance of their warts getting cured. On the other hand, if you are either suffering from preexisting health conditions or have a highly compromised immune system, your viral warts treatment can be quite difficult.

Treatment options for viral warts in Singapore include:

CryotherapyThis type of treatment involves effectively freezing warts using liquid nitrogen. Numerous treatment sessions are needed which can result in painful burns and blisters.
Surgical treatmentThis involves surgically removing warts.
Salicylic acid ointmentGradual removal of the outer skin layer, allowing your immune system to naturally clear off the virus.
Other topical treatmentsThese may include the use of F5-fluorouracil, dithranol, silver nitrate caustic pencils, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde gel, trichloroacetic acid as well as podophyllotoxin.

Should I seek treatment for plantar and palmar warts?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment for warts because they are viral and can spread very quickly in your body.

Although most viral warts are harmless, seek immediate treatment if your warts are causing painful symptoms, or if you live with elderly children or anyone with a compromised immune system as they are at the highest risk of infection. In general, you should seek medical assistance if:

  • Your viral warts lesion is either painful, constantly changes in appearance, or bleeding.
  • You are not very sure about your diagnosis.
  • Your lesion is impacting your daily life.
  • You have a compromised immune system.
  • You are diabetic and are experiencing a poor sensation over your feet.

FAQ

Are plantar warts and palmar warts preventable?

There are a few things you can do to prevent viral warts, including:

  • Regularly changing both your shoes and socks.
  • Hygienically dispose of any infected skin fillings.
  • When in public places, don’t walk barefoot.
  • Always keep your feet clean and dry.
  • Don’t either scratch or pick on your warts.
  • Always wear well-fitting shoes.
  • If there are warts over your feet, you should cover them when using waterproof plasters.
  • Never use the same nail clipper, pumice stone, or even nail file for your warts and other healthy skin areas.
Should I treat my plantar and palmar warts?
Yes. Warts are viral and can spread very fast in your body, and a single wart can easily multiply over your body. They can also cause lots of pain and discomfort.
Should I cut out a plantar wart?
Cutting, scratching, or pulling out a plantar wart is not recommended. Viral warts should only be removed surgically by a professional.

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