Plantar warts can make every step uncomfortable, especially when they form on weight-bearing areas of your foot. Allyson Otten, DPM, at Kettle Moraine Podiatry in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, diagnoses and treats plantar warts for patients throughout Ozaukee County. Dr. Otten offers a range of treatment options to safely remove your warts, ease your discomfort, and reduce your risk of recurrence. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about plantar wart treatment.

What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that develop on the soles of your feet. They form when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters your skin through tiny cuts, cracks, or weakened areas. Unlike warts on other parts of your body, plantar warts grow inward because of the pressure of walking and standing, which can make them painful.

The virus spreads in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, pool decks, and shared showers. Children, teens, and people with weakened immune systems develop plantar warts more often, though anyone can get them.

What are the symptoms of plantar warts?

Plantar warts often look like thickened patches of skin, and you might mistake them for calluses. Common signs include:

• A small, grainy growth on the bottom of your foot
• Hard, thickened skin over a well-defined spot
• Tiny black dots in the center, sometimes called wart seeds
• Pain or tenderness when you walk or stand
• A wart that disrupts the normal lines of your skin

If a growth on your foot turns painful, changes appearance, or lingers, Dr. Otten can confirm whether it’s a plantar wart and recommend the right treatment.

What treatments are available for plantar warts?

Dr. Otten offers several treatment options based on the size, location, and severity of your warts. Common treatments include:

• Topical medications containing salicylic acid
• Cryotherapy, which freezes the wart with liquid nitrogen
• Laser treatment for stubborn or recurrent warts
• Minor surgical removal when other treatments fall short
• Prescription-strength topical therapies
• In-office debridement to reduce thickness and pain

Some plantar warts respond to a single treatment, while others require a series of visits. Dr. Otten walks you through your options and helps you choose the approach that fits your situation best.

How can I prevent plantar warts?

A few simple habits go a long way toward keeping plantar warts away. Dr. Otten recommends that you:

• Wear sandals or shower shoes in public locker rooms and pool areas
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Change your socks and shoes regularly
• Avoid direct contact with someone else's wart
• Cover cuts or breaks in your skin before walking barefoot

These small steps reduce your exposure to the virus and help your skin stay strong enough to resist infection.

Call Kettle Moraine Podiatry today or book online to schedule your plantar wart appointment.