Effective Solutions for Eliminating Plantar Warts: Holistic Approaches to Healthy Feet

Plantar warts only appear on the feet. They are highly contagious and are primarily noticeable through pain during exertion. The warts can be removed by freezing and drugs containing salicylic acid. In addition, various home remedies have also proven to be effective treatment options. We tell you what helps against plantar warts. 

What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are also known as plantar warts or plantar warts. They occur on the foot, mainly in the area of ​​the sole, the heel or under the toes. If warts appear on other body parts, these are usually not plantar warts. Conversely, not every wart that develops on the foot has to be a plantar wart. 

Plantar warts are viral and caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). As with other viral diseases, infection with the virus is favoured by a weakened immune system . After infection, it can take a few weeks to several months for the first symptoms to become noticeable. 

 

Are plantar warts contagious?

HPV viruses are transmitted by smear infection and can spread quickly and easily. Plantar warts are highly contagious because the viruses can survive for several months without infecting a host.

Infection often occurs through walking barefoot, for example: 

• in the sauna
• in the pool
• in a gym locker room

The risk of infection is exceptionally high here, as many people use these locations. Contact with water in the swimming pool dries out the skin and makes it easier for the viruses to penetrate the body. In addition, they can multiply particularly well in the warm, humid climate that prevails in saunas and swimming pools. 

The viruses can also be transmitted by wearing socks or shoes together. It is also possible to get infected by using the same towel. For this reason, strict hygiene regulations should be observed in the event of an infection with plantar warts. 

Identify plantar warts

Because plantar warts grow inward, similar to a thorn that pierces your foot, they are rarely seen on the surface. A thick corneal callus usually covers the wart and is therefore not visible to laypeople at first glance. If the superficial skin calluses are scratched, minor bleeding occurs. 

Plantar warts often reach very deep into the tissue and develop a significantly larger diameter than on the surface. As a result, they can cause severe stabbing pain, especially when walking. This is because large plantar warts hit the extremely sensitive periosteum when stressed. 

 

Remove plantar warts

Treatment is always necessary if there is a plantar wart on the foot. For one thing, this is because the wart becomes more and more uncomfortable over time. On the other hand, the risk of infection can only be averted by treating and removing the plantar wart. 

As long as there is an infection, strict hygiene regulations must be observed. Therefore, do not share your towel, washcloth, or similar items with other people. Also, avoid walking barefoot in public places. 

Various treatment options

Various methods are available for treating plantar warts.

• Ointments or tinctures with salicylic acid are often used, which ensure that the corneal callus becomes thinner. As a result, the wart migrates outwards and can be removed piece by piece. However, you should be extremely careful when removing it because if the skin is injured, it can lead to a new infection. 
• Freezing (cryotherapy) and laser treatment are available as additional methods. Cooled liquid nitrogen is usually used for freezing. Using an applicator, this is brought into contact with the wart for about half a minute. A blister forms, which falls off after a few days, along with the upper layers of the cornea. In the case of deep plantar warts, repeated freezing may be necessary. 
• Finally, surgical removal is also possible. The wart is scraped out with a so-called “sharp spoon”. However, never remove a plantar wart with a sharp object. If the wart is injured, there is a high risk that the infection will spread further.

Treat plantar warts with home remedies.

Generally, it is always advisable to consult a doctor if you have plantar warts. He can examine the wart on the foot and recommend a suitable remedy. If plantar warts are treated alone, drugstore products with salicylic acid are often used. Products with aloe vera and tea tree oil are also popular as other home remedies. 

The following home remedies are also more commonly used to treat plantar warts, but their effectiveness is disputed:

• Attach a piece of pickled onion to the wart with a band-aid and leave it on overnight.
• Dab the wart several times daily with lemon juice, vinegar, and salt solution.
• Some people also swear by sprinkling their urine on the wart. 
• Halve a garlic clove and rub the juice on the wart several times daily.