Plantar Warts / Verruca

What is a Wart?

A wart on the foot, also known as verrucae is a viral infection of the skin with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Warts have a cauliflower appearance and are often mistaken for a corn. A wart will be painful when pinched on either side. It also disrupts natural skin lines and has little dark spots in the centre. Warts are contagious and survive best in wet areas. The combination of bare feet around swimming pools and hotel or public bathrooms can lead to infection. They can be on their own or form a cluster.

 

Fast Warts Treatment in Perth

The body’s natural immune system often fights this viral skin infection and leads to resolution in most cases. However plantar wart treatment is required in cases where there is pain, embarrassment or if the wart is getting bigger.

There are many topical treatment options with some available over the counter. It is advised that you seek professional advice if the wart is bigger than 0.5cm in size, is painful or if it has been present for more than 3 months. Dr Azarian also urges patients to seek treatment if the wart is on the heel or ball of the foot as these areas are more difficult to treat should they spread and enlarge. If a wart is treated too aggressively a permanent scar can form in its place even after it has healed. Many patients ask for the fastest way to treat plantar warts.

Some effective treatments for warts on feet include:

• Salicylic acid– not painful during treatment, aimed to burn off blood supply to wart and kill the virus
• Cryotherapy– freezes the wart and blood vessels that feed it
• Needling– acupuncture needles used to stimulare immune response
• Medications– help fight the virus from the inside
• Lifestyle changes and diet– to strengthen immune system
• Important for patient to not disrupt the wart and to cover it when possible to prevent spread

Treatment of warts requires several sessions and can rarely be fixed with one application, therefore it is important to be patient.

If you are unsure about the best treatment for your skin condition please consult with a specialist. A misdiagnosed skin lesion could be wrongly treated with strong acids that can cause great harm. Home treatments are also not recommended in immune compromised or diabetic individuals.

Call today for wart treatment.

 

Surgical Removal of Plantar Warts in Perth

Surgery to remove the verruca is performed in cases where other treatments have failed. Surgical removal can be performed under local anaesthetic with the use of an inhalation pain relief if required.

It is important to note that HPV is very contagious and can also remain in the body for up to 2 years. This makes recurrence a possibility regardless of the treatment.

 

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