Plantar warts are benign neoplasms of viral origin. They are treated simply enough, but it is very important to consult a doctor in time so as not to start the process. Because it is so important to know the symptoms in this disease.
How can you get a virus, what are the trigger factors?
Any types of warts, regardless of their form and type, appear when HPV, the papilloma virus, enters the body (there are more than 100 species in total).
HPV is transmitted through household contact. Moreover, according to recent studies, a significant part of the population suffers from this disease in various forms. Thus, the use of foreign personal care products can contribute to the transfer of the pathogen, and these processes are accelerated by a humid and warm environment, especially in baths, a swimming pool, a sauna, etc.
Since the virus dies under the influence of sunlight, the infection on the beach is impossible. However, even if a virus enters the body, warts and papillomas do not necessarily appear - with strong immunity, the microorganism becomes latent.
But with failures in the immune system, under stressful conditions, overwork, overload, the virus can "wake up", leading to tumors on the feet.
The provoking factors for the occurrence of plantar warts include:
- damage to the skin of the feet;
- diseases that lead to disruption of tissue trophism - atherosclerosis, diabetes, varicose veins;
- excessive sweating or, conversely, dry skin;
- use uncomfortable shoes;
- foot diseases: arthritis, flat feet, etc.
How not to confuse plantar wart with other tumors?
The warts located on the sole are characterized by a clearly bounded oval or circular shape, have a diameter of up to 2 cm. Above the skin surface, they may project up to 2 mm, and the color is usually pinkish or pale brown, but may not differ from the skin color. At first, the growth is smooth, but as the wart grows, it begins to become covered with a layer of epidermis, which becomes rougher, coarsened, becomes yellow-gray over time.
It happens that a tumor can be covered with dark dots. This usually occurs during thrombosis of capillaries that are too close to the surface.
Most often, the tumor is a single character, however, with too high activity of the virus, the formation of multiple warts can be observed. If there are too many neoplasms, a mosaic pattern “forms” on the affected part of the foot.
If the immunity successfully copes, the wart can be passed by itself, but this happens very rarely. Most often, with constant trauma, the wart gives the patient serious discomfort, pain. It is important to remember that over time the wart takes the form of a blister over time due to constant pressure and friction, and only an experienced specialist, after examining the appearance of the tumor, can conclude that there is a wart and prescribe treatment.
Additionally, they can prescribe a dermatoscopy, in which the neoplasm layer is scraped. Then the material is sent for analysis, which will determine the presence or absence of a virus in the body.
Usually, when the plantar wart has no skin pattern on the surface and there are traces of thrombosed capillaries.
To determine the depth of the wart, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound. Differential diagnostics is also carried out, because this neoplasm in appearance is similar to keratoderma and formations that appear on the palms and feet in case of syphilis.
Wart removal methods - which one to choose?
To date, there are many advanced technologies that offer various ways of getting rid of neoplasms of any type: warts, warts, moles, etc. They are suitable for both adults and children - you only need to consult a specialist.
Electrocoagulation
The peculiarity of warts on the feet is in their location, as they penetrate very deep into the skin. For this reason, this method is only suitable for the removal of fresh formations near the surface. Also, after the operation, there is always a small scar.
Cryodestruction
Or treatment with liquid nitrogen. This method is one of the most common, as it is inexpensive and leaves no scars. However, the effectiveness of the procedure is 100% dependent on the experience of the specialist conducting it: the physician must accurately calculate the depth of the effect, because if the calculations are done incorrectly, the scar will remain or the wart will not be completely removed, that is, the probability of a relapse is high.
The procedure itself is quite painful, but lasts no more than 1 minute, after treatment with nitrogen in the area of growth, there is a blister, which should be protected from water, injury. It is also recommended that the operation site be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate until the tumor disappears.
Laser removal
The second most popular method of removing warts. Moreover, in contrast to treatment with liquid nitrogen, the laser effect is simpler, the procedure itself takes a minimum of time, does not cause pain, and requires short rehabilitation. Many dermatologists are inclined to believe that this method is one of the most progressive, fast and safe. The advantages include the absence of relapses.
Radio wave method
This method is also popular because, along with the removal of a tumor, the vessels are cauterized. So, the risk of spreading the virus through the bloodstream is minimal.
Surgical intervention
This method is practically not used, only if the wart is too large and cannot be removed in another way. It is performed under local anesthesia, without pain, but the minuses include a long and rather painful process of wound healing, and there is a noticeable scar after the operation.
Treatment of tumors with the help of folk remedies
There are many tools of traditional medicine, which are used to remove warts. However, it is recommended to use them only after consulting with a specialist, because with the use of many such preparations allergies and other side effects may develop.
Immunity enhancement
Often it happens that the warts disappear with positive changes in the body. Because it is very important to establish the work of the immune system. To improve immunity, you need to walk in the fresh air, remember about proper nutrition, forget about bad habits. You can additionally take vitamins, do yoga.
Salicylic acid
It can only be used to treat plantar warts. Before applying the acid, it is necessary to soak the growths in warm water, thoroughly dry the skin. Using an applicator, apply the agent to the entire surface of the neoplasm. It should be noted that treatment with such a means is quite long, it can take several months.
Celandine juice
In the presence of such a plant as celandine, you can quickly get rid of warts on the feet. This ancient method was used even by our ancestors - they applied the composition to the damaged place 3 times a day for three weeks. In most cases, this method allows you to get rid of the problem. But also on sale you can find the tool "Mountain celandine", which contains not only the juice of the plant itself, but also cocoa, rhododendron.
But it is very important not to damage healthy skin. To do this, before applying any means you need to make a hole in the adhesive tape, seal them with clean skin. After that, apply the composition.
Acetic acid flour
For the preparation of effective means you need to make a lot of 70% acetic acid flour. Before applying, it is required to steam out the feet, apply the composition to the neoplasm and leave for a few minutes. The procedure is carried out at least 3-4 times a day.
Steaming feet
This method is aimed at improving immunity. It is enough 2-3 times a week to steam the legs for half an hour (you can add sea salt, decoctions of herbs) to improve the protective functions of the body.
Ready pharmaceuticals - what can I use?
In addition to traditional methods, you can use ready-made pharmacies. The main thing is to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions, because as part of these drugs there are active substances in the form of alkali or acids, which, if used improperly, can cause burns.
Among the most popular funds are:
- Super Celandine. It is considered the most inexpensive and effective at the same time against warts.
- Verrukatsid, in the composition of which is present phenol and metacresol.
- Solcoderm - a drug that contains acetic, oxalic and nitric acid.
- Salicylic acid, which can be used either as a clear solution or as a bandage for the feet.
- Cryopharma is a special remedy for treating or removing plantar warts. Sold as an applicator.
