How to Get Rid of Warts

They might be unsightly and embarrassing, but warts are quite common – with most people developing one at some point or another in their lifetime. This doesn’t mean there isn’t anything that can be done about them, though. On the contrary, plantar wart treatment is also something to consider if you have one of these viral growths on your foot.

As we discuss treatment options for plantar warts, it’s important to start with a couple of practices to avoid. This includes both using home kits and trying to cut out a wart on your own. The problem with kits available for purchase over-the-counter at nationwide pharmacies and grocery stores is they often use salicylic acid to burn away the viral growths. Salicylic acid, though, can also potentially damage the healthy skin surrounding the wart. Additionally, these kits may not be as effective as you would hope.

Using “bathroom surgery” to cut out a wart is an even worse idea. In part, attempting this doesn’t actually address the root cause – the virus responsible for the unsightly growth. More importantly, though, you should never try to cut off warts (or corns, calluses, etc.) because it puts you at unnecessary risk for potentially serious infections and tissue damage. Instead, always leave the surgery to our trusted medical professionals here at Wilks Advanced Foot Care.

When you come in to see us for plantar wart treatment, we start by evaluating your particular condition. In many, but not all, cases, the wart will be at least partially covered or have grown underneath a thickened layer of skin (callus). This is because plantar warts typically grow on the underside of the foot, an area subjected to tremendous pressure.

Professional treatment for plantar warts include:

• Prescription-strength medication. This may include salicylic acid, but the difference is having it carefully applied by a medical expert. We always take measures to ensure your safety, which is something at-home kits are unable to offer.
• Cryotherapy. Another option is to use freezing therapy (cryotherapy) to slough off the dead tissue, while also stimulating your immune system to fight the virus.
• Minor surgery. It is really important to reemphasize that we do not advocate attempting “home surgery” and trying to cut out a wart on your own. In addition to infection risk, this can also be quite painful. Instead, simply make an appointment with us and have the minor procedure performed by a trained medical professional in a safe environment and with numbing agents to prevent pain.

If you, or any of your family members, need plantar wart treatment, keep in mind this is one of the skin and nail care services we offer here at our Roseburg, Oregon podiatrist office. This is a fairly common foot problem in children, but we always provide gentle, effective care for your young ones. Call Wilks Advanced Foot Care at (541) 673-0742 to request your appointment, or contact us online for additional information.