Feet Need Virus Protection Too

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At NY Foot Health, we know that there has been a lot of information lately about the Coronavirus, but did you know that a virus can also affect your feet? The human papillomavirus (HPV) when it enters the skin on your feet through small or invisible cuts or scrapes can cause warts.

Recognizing a Wart

Although warts are often harmless, they can be quite painful, especially if they form on the bottom of your foot (plantar warts). Warts are sometimes mistaken for calluses or corns, and they do resemble built-up layers of dead skin. They tend to be hard and flat, although they can be raised as well. They usually have a rough surface and may have a center that looks like it contains tiny black dots. A wart can appear singularly or in a cluster or mosaic.

If you notice any growth or eruption on the skin of your feet, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to get it evaluated promptly. Don’t have a podiatrist? We can help you find one through our online directory. The foot doctor must rule out rare but malignant melanomas and carcinomas.

Treatment

Although there are many over-the-counter products available, self-treatment is not advised. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals or acids that can damage healthy skin surrounding the wart. It is particularly dangerous to attempt if you have diabetes or another issue that causes circulation problems. The podiatrist will determine the best way to get rid of your wart. Options include using a topical preparation, cryotherapy (freezing) or laser therapy. Warts can take time to eliminate and may recur.

Prevention Tips

You can greatly reduce your chances of contracting the virus that causes warts by taking a few simple precautions:

  • Don’t walk barefoot—especially in public places

  • Wash your feet daily

  • Keep feet dry—the virus that causes warts thrives in warm, moist places

  • Change your socks and shoes each day

  • If you already have a wart on your body, don’t scratch it or touch it and then touch your foot or another part of your body—warts can spread!

To learn more ways to protect your feet, contact us.

fungal infectionsNYSPMAwarts, calluses, corns, carcinomas, virus