• Cryosurgery – Liquid Nitrogen is used to freeze the wart. Freezing destroys the blood vessels and cells of the wart. The dead skin will fall off in approximately one to two weeks. Sometimes, a second application is needed to remove completely.
• Laser Surgery – In this process, the wart tissue is removed by using intense laser energy. This method is very effective, but sometimes needs a second application as well.
• Electro-Surgery – Electrical energy is used within this process to burn the wart tissue. The process is similar to laser surgery. The wart and burned tissue is removed by use of a scalpel. This type of surgery is very successful and it is rare that a second application is needed.
• Surgical Excision – The process involved with this type of surgery involves using a scalpel to remove the wart. This process is generally used as a last resort, especially if laser surgery, or cryosurgery, is unsuccessful.

Warts are common among people around the world. Basic information will help you to understand warts as well as how to remove them. The information provided is the least you should know about the topic.

Basic Understanding

Warts are classified as benign growths on the skin. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. This type of skin infection can be transferred from one person to another. If you have a wart, then you should take precautions to keep others around you from getting the infection.

Warts can occur in different places on the body. Warts which occur on the face or in the genital area should not be treated at home with over-the-counter removal kits. Medical advice is strongly encouraged in this situation.

For other warts, such as plantar wart, if at home treatments do not remove the warts, then make an appointment with your family physician. Sometimes, warts will go away without any treatment, but it can take a period of months, or years.

Using Over-the-Counter Remedies

For warts which are common, over the counter remedies may be sufficient to use for removal. These do not normally involve a visit to your doctor. There are two popular applications for at-home treatment. These two methods use salicylic acid – examples include Dr. Scholl’s Clear Away, or DuoFilm Wart Remover. Another one which is popular is Wartrol.

For over the counter products which will freeze warts off, you can use topical agents which have dimethyl ether in them. Product examples will include Compound W Freeze Off and Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away.

When using salicylic acid applications, they will come in the form of a gel, a liquid, or in a convenient strip for application. The product is placed over the wart for application. For products which use dimethyl ether, the product will come in a canister with single use applications. The single use apparatus will allow the direction of product onto the wart in a direct fashion.

Using Home Remedies for Wart Removal

There are many home remedies available for plantar wart removal. They have been recorded in history, but have not necessarily been medically researched as sound techniques. One example is using duct tape. For this method, the individual will place a strip of duct tape over the wart. The tape will be left in place for approximately six to ten weeks, and then removed. In many cases, when the tape is removed – the wart will come off. With this method, much patience is needed during the process.

Calling your Physician

There are times when a wart should be examined by a physician. If you are not sure if you have a wart, as compared to another form of skin growth, then please see your physician to confirm a diagnosis. Medical doctors can rule out growths which are cancerous, especially for individuals who are over the age of 60.
Infants, who have any type of wart on the body, should be seen by a physician, or pediatrician. Skin at this age is very delicate and a sure diagnosis is needed when dealing with such a young age.

If you suspect genital warts, or warts on your private area (near/on the sex organs), please call your physician for an appointment. A medical exam will be done to begin the treatment process.

There are other times in which it is recommended to see the doctor about wart removal:

• Wart is red and/or painful to touch
• Wart is swollen
• Discharge is coming out of the wart
• Bleeding warts can be a result of something more serious
• Plantar warts (found on feet) which make it difficult to walk/stand

Expectations at Your Appointment

When you visit the physician concerning a wart, you will be examined to confirm a diagnosis. Some physicians will decide for you to wait and see if the skin will clear on its own. In small children, this is usually the method of choice since removal can be very uncomfortable for a child as well as painful.

Warts, many times, will go away without further treatment. Some can be annoying and painful. Several visits to the doctor may occur during treatment of warts. Topical agents may also be prescribed depending on your physician’s thoughts.

Coverage through Insurance

Before calling for an appointment with your doctor, you can check with your insurance carrier to see if wart treatment and removal is covered by your policy. Some insurance provides coverage, while others do not.

If you have a medical spending account, over the counter treatments may be included in products you can purchase for treatment under account guidelines. If more information is needed, please contact your insurance provider for additional details.

To help you understand warts, here are some descriptions of different kinds:

1. Common Warts – These usually appear by themselves, or in groups. They will normally appear on the hands (check warts on hands), but they can grow on any part of the body. They are usually gray or brown in color and are shaped like a dome. They can be rough to the touch.

2. Plantar Warts – These will commonly develop on the feet and usually have dark spots on them (blood vessels). If the wart is on the walking surface of the foot, the body can develop a thick layer of skin over the surface of the wart. As this callused skin becomes more advanced, it can become very painful to walk. It feels much like walking with gravel in the shoe. “Mosaic warts” can also occur in clusters on the feet.

3. Flat Warts – These are normally found on the face and arms. They are also sometimes seen on the legs. They are usually very small and it is common to see several in one area. The tops are flat and the color of the wart can be light brown, light yellow, and even pink. The most common way the flat warts spread is through shaving.

4. Filiform Warts – This type of wart is also flat and can grow in the area of the nose, mouth, or beard. The color of this type of wart is fleshy and can be shaped like fingers.

5. Periungual Warts – This type of wart is normally found around the fingernails and toenails. It can also be found under the nail edge. They are usually irregular in form and rough in nature. These warts can affect the growth of the nail.

6. Genital Warts – This type of wart can be very small in size and hard to see.

Oftentimes, flat warts as well as the common warts will not cause the individual pain. They can be bothersome and spread very easily in some areas. For example, if there is constant friction, rubbing, or even shaving in the area of infection – they can spread more readily.

Warts which are easily seen by others can be embarrassing and even affect self-esteem in some cases. Warts on the feet (plantar) can become very painful if left untreated.

Other conditions of the skin which may resemble warts include:

1. Seborrheic Keratoses –Growths on the skin which are noncancerous. The color can vary from light tan or black. The sizes of this skin condition can vary from being very small to the size of a coin. The growth may look waxy, or stuck on the skin.

2. Skin Tags – This condition is also known as acrochordon and can be presented as small, soft pieces of skin. They will often stick out from a very small stem on the skin. The common areas of skin tags include around the neck, upper trunk, arms, armpits, and the folds of skin on the body. In most cases, they can appear on the body during the middle age years.

3. Corns – This type of skin condition is hardened, yellowed skin which is thick and dead.

4. Cancers of the Skin – Cancers can appear as growths on the skin, or as moles. If you have a sore that does not heal, or a constant irritation of the skin – it is a good idea to have it looked at by a professional.

Tip: Warts can cover the lines and creases of the skin. If you see this, it is more than likely a wart. This is one way to determine if the skin condition is a wart or another condition described above.

In the past when I have had hand warts, I have found they multiply at an alarming rate. I started out with one on my little finger and then in a short amount of time I had another set of 5 which developed on the fingers nearby. I also developed a bad habit of scratching at them – this is a huge mistake. By doing so, I continued the spread of infection from one place to another. The medical term for this spreading is auto-inoculation.

Some warts can also have little black spots in them. This is usually seen in plantar warts. The dots are blood vessels that have clotted. Individuals will normally see this characteristic on warts found on the feet.

Back to my story of warts – I thought the warts would disappear at one point and time. Just having them was embarrassing to me and I did not want to wait forever for them to go away. People will see them everywhere I go since they are in open display on my hands. When I write my checks, people will see. When I am
dining out and eating, others will see them. With having a cluster of warts on my hands now, it was even more embarrassing to me.

I decided to speak with my physician. He suggested that I try a home therapy which contains salicylic acid which is applied topically. In the event this did not work, he would freeze them off using cryotherapy. This procedure uses liquid nitrogen which is applied by the physician to the area of concern.

If cryotherapy does not work, then there are several other methods available. This will include surgical removal of the warts, or even using antiviral drug injections. After much discussion with the physician, I thought I would definitely try the home therapy method based on the following criteria:

1. Effectiveness of Treatment – There are many studies which indicate home treatments to be highly effective. This is true in most cases for warts. If you have a history of recurrence of warts, major immune issues, or even diabetes – please do consult your doctor before beginning any at home therapy.

2. Cost of Treatment – When comparing at home treatments, they are less costly than cryosurgery, injections, or even wart removal surgery.

3. Scarring Challenges – Scarring when it occurs is usually permanent. Using salicylic acid will destroy the infection on the skin as well as the healthy skin around it. So, choosing the product carefully is important as well as using it very carefully. The best option is choosing a product of salicylic acid that is mixed with a homeopathic or naturally based product. This will help to minimize or eliminate the scarring which can occur.

4. Increased Pain – Cryosurgery, or cryotherapy, can be more painful than using a topical solution. For me, it made complete sense to try the home therapy first.

5. Time of Treatment – When using the home treatment option, you will lessen the number of visits to the doctor. With cryosurgery, it takes a period of time and sometimes you will have to return to the doctor for more treatment sessions to complete the process. Home treatment is more convenient for the individual.

As you can see the home treatment option is usually the better way to go when treating warts on the hands. I chose this method of treatment and gained successful outcomes in this first line of wart treatment. I did not have to resort to surgery or the other more harsh methods of wart removal. I am fully pleased and I am also wart free – 100%!

Lessening the Pain

Standard remedies exist for plantar wart pain relief. You can make use of moleskin patches, or even use adhesive felts to relieve pain. These applications help by absorbing some of the friction which occurs with walking as well as absorbing pressure.

Wearing comfortable shoes is a must when you have a plantar wart. If you choose to wear ill-fitting shoes, then the wart will become more aggravated and painful. Adding protective shoe liners can also be helpful in controlling plantar wart pain.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Most at home treatments of plantar warts can be successful if done properly. Sometimes, more warts will develop during this time of home treatment. If this happens, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Seeking medical advice is also necessary if bleeding occurs with the warts and pain cannot be reduced through simple changes. Making an appointment with your family physician is recommended. Sometimes, he will make a referral to a dermatologist if needed.

Plantar Wart Medications

During your visit, you may be given some topical medications, which are very inexpensive as well as non-invasive. Here are some of the types of medications used to treat painful plantar warts:

• Salicylic acid – this ingredient is found in many over the counter medications for wart removal. The one given by prescription is a much stronger version and will help to increase the rate and aggressiveness of treatment. Always use as directed.
• Cantharidin – This type of wart removal medication causes a blister to form under the skin. The application takes place within the doctor’s office and you will have a return visit for removal of the skin.
• Immunotherapy – This method is often used as a last resort for wart removal. This treatment works to boost your immune system and is given through injection into the wart area. This treatment affects the wart virus.

Plantar warts on the feet are generally “thicker warts,” due to the thickness variance. Generally, this means treatment of this type of wart will take longer. These types of warts sometimes have to be treated more aggressively as well.

Several methods will help in getting rid of plantar warts. Here, we will discuss one way of treatment. This method is a nice way to start the process. So, feel free to try this method at home.

Supplies Needed for Treatment

In order to use this method of plantar wart treatment, you will need some basic supplies on hand. You will need an emery board, as well as a wart removal product. The product used in this method is that of choice. Products are available at your local drug store and online.

Method of Plantar Wart Treatment

With this specific method of plantar wart removal, you will need a short amount of time each day for treatment. The method uses five steps for the removal of the wart. Here are the steps involved with this particular treatment:

1. Using warm soap and water wash the feet to remove any dirt, debris, or oils.
2. Allow your feet to air dry, keeping them clean.
3. Use the emery board and gently file the dead skin from the surface of the wart. If you prefer, you can also use a pumice stone. Doing this step will drastically reduce treatment time and should not be skipped during this treatment process.
4. Apply topical wart remover solution of choice. Some individuals will use Wartrol, or a salicylic acid. When finished with application, cover the wart with an adhesive bandage. You can also use a piece of cotton along with a strip of medical tape to hold it against the skin. Some users will also use a piece of duct tape to cover the wart.
5. At least two times each day – repeat steps 1-4. For an effective treatment, you must do this every day until the wart has disappeared. The only way to remove the wart in one day is by surgical removal.

This method of treatment is highly recommended for use. Plantar warts can go away without treatment, but often create pain for the individual. Using this process to get rid of plantar warts will help to speed the recovery process.

Using this method of removal will allow the individual to go back to daily duties without having consistent foot pain. The inability to stand, or walk, is not good overall.

HPV is Every Where

HPV virus is everywhere – and you may be wondering where you picked it up. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to tell. The virus can spread from person to person through direct contact, as well as indirectly.

Skin to skin contact can transfer the virus from one individual to another. A second way an individual will become infected is by using public places, such as swimming pool showers, or gym showers. When the surface is infected with the virus and you place your bare feet on the surface, you take a risk of becoming infected and getting warts on feet.

The HVP virus can also be in places which are warm and damp. This will include areas such as inside your shoes, or someone else’s shoes. If there are tiny cuts, or openings, in your skin then you have the potential to contract the virus.

Once an individual carries the virus in their body, it can lay dormant for many months, or years within their system. Once the incubation period is over, a single wart as well as a cluster of warts may appear.

Good news – the older you become, the less likely you are to develop new warts. This happens as a result of an increased immune response within the body over time.

How do I know if I have a Plantar Wart?

Could what you are seeing be a plantar wart, or something else? Different types of growth are possible on the bottom of your feet. You may be wondering how you can tell the difference.

The most common difference you will see is the location of sensitivity. If you have pain from pressure applied to the sides of the growth, you more than likely have a plantar wart. If you have pain with direct pressure applied, then you have a foot wart.

There is also another way you can tell if you are dealing with a plantar wart. They are flat in appearance and rough. The edges of the plantar wart are usually very distinctive. Plantar warts are fleshy in color, or brown. They can also have black spots located in the center of the growth. The black spots are little blood vessels.

Preventing Plantar Warts

Measures can be taken to help prevent plantar warts on the feet. Take a look at the following three facts which relate to this type of wart:

1. HVP is considered highly contagious. Keep from touching, scratching, or picking at the wart. Otherwise, you risk spreading the virus to another part of your body, or to others. If you touch them for some reason, take a few minutes to wash your hands immediately.
2. Breaks in the skin allow the entrance of HVP into the body. Take good care of your feet to prevent breaks, cuts, or openings in the skin. If you do get a cut, or abrasion, then place a bandage, or covering over the injury. This will help you to protect your health.
3. HVP loves moist environments, such as a pair of shoes, or a shower room. If you sweat while wearing socks, change them often to keep your feet dry. It is always good to disinfect your shoes on a regular basis.

Other Helpful Tips

Other helpful tips will decrease the risk of getting plantar warts. First, avoid walking barefoot outdoors, especially in areas which are damp, or common to others. This includes public showers, swimming pool decks, and more. Wear sandals if you are visiting these areas to increase protection from getting the HVP disease.

Take time to protect your skin in general – your hands, your feet, and your body. When it comes to prevention there is not a guarantee – 100% that you will not get them. Following basic guidelines will however significantly decrease your chances.

Getting Rid of Plantar Warts of the Feet

Getting rid of plantar warts is easier during some times, as compared to other times. Home remedies are available as well as topical agents which can be purchased at your local drug store. There is a simple five step process which can be used to remove most plantar warts. If you are interested in learning more, please click here.

If you do not see results with treatment within a few weeks, then please consult your physician. He may desire to prescribe a more aggressive treatment to the challenge.

Different Strains of HPV

When looking at HPV, there are over one-hundred different strains of the virus. Each different type of strain causes warts to develop in different areas of the body. For example, one specific strain will cause warts to develop on the hands. Another strain will cause warts to develop on the feet. There are also certain strains which cause warts to develop in multiple places on the body.

How Does Someone Contact Warts?

First of all, there is normally no way to tell where the virus has come from. The virus can be anywhere you have visited. An incubation period of the virus in the body can cause a period of time to pass before developing warts. It can take several months, or longer, for the first wart to appear.

HPV is like other viruses – it is contagious. Since it is contagious, it will spread from one person to another. This happens through direct contact of skin. For example, touching infected skin through a handshake can transmit the disease.

Human contact is not the only way to contract the virus. It can live in damp and warm places, such as in shoes. This is considered indirect contact since transmission is not made through an individual’s skin touching someone else’s skin (through human contact).

Once the virus is on the skin, it can enter the body through cuts, tiny scratches, or breaks in the skin. Once this takes place, the virus causes the top layer of skin to grow quickly – which is the development of the plantar wart.

Are All People At Risk for Developing Plantar Warts?

Yes – every person is at risk for developing plantar warts. Since the cause of the wart is viral, then chances are each individual will come into contact with it at one point and time in his life. The chances are extremely high since the virus can easily enter the body.

The good news is some people will kill off the virus because they have a good immune system. This decreases the chances of actually developing a plantar wart. Healthy individuals develop antibodies within their bodies which fight the viruses.

Children are more susceptible to the development of plantar warts as well as those with immune deficiencies. Once these groups are infected with the virus, they will usually develop the warts.

How Can I Prevent Warts?

There are ways to decrease the chances of contracting the virus – which in turn will prevent the development of warts. One of the most common things an individual can do is keep their hands washed regularly. If you knew how many people did not take the time to wash their hands – you would be amazed!

Walking in high traffic areas with shoes on is another great way to prevent the development of warts. This includes businesses that have public showers, such as the local swimming pool, or the local gym. It can also include neighborhood pools which may be frequented by a variety of people. Always protect your feet when visiting these areas by wearing flip flops, crocks, or other footwear which prevents contact with surfaces.

Also, if you tend to bite your nails – then you are at risk due to the skin being broken and open for the virus to enter in to. Take the measures necessary to break the habit of biting your nails and you will become at less risk for the virus, among other things.

Will My Wart Go Away If I leave It Alone?

Many times, warts will go away if you leave them alone. The challenge is it could take months for them to disappear. With plantar warts, it is important to treat them right away so the risk of spreading the virus to others is lessened.

Important – Plantar warts should be treated right away to prevent the spread of the HPV to other people.

The very first time you see a wart on your body, treatment should begin immediately. Different types of treatment are available – some will work well for one person and not another. It is best to try different types of wart removal therapy to see what works best for you. We do not have to “live” with warts!

Skin infections are common among the people, especially warts. Having warts is one of the most common skin infections found. Warts are considered viral infections and are commonly seen on the feet, soles of the feet, or plantar surface. This type of skin infection is named based on its location on the skins surface. Plantar warts which cause pain and endure constant friction, or pressure, should be removed to prevent further problems.

The Appearance of Warts

Warts appear on the skin and look like a callus, or a thickened growth. Tenderness can occur if the area becomes irritated, or aggravated. Through time, this pain can cause an individual to have difficulty walking (due to friction and pressure).

Sometimes, they will disappear without any treatment, but if they are affecting your daily routine, then consider removing them, or having them removed. At-home treatments are available which are successful in most cases. If not, then seeking medical advice is encouraged.

Medical treatment may include topical applications which are stronger than over the counter medications. If these are ineffective, various types of wart removal surgery are available.

Plantar Wart Facts

Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma virus. When individuals contract the virus, there is usually an incubation period which can last for several months to several years. There are several types of the HPV virus; only some of them cause warts. Studies reveal that nearly every person will have plantar warts at one time in their lives.

Younger children are more prone to contracting plantar wart. Anyone can get them regardless of their age. Some people are at increased risk for developing this form of skin infection. Risks increase when using public shower facilities, if you have a weak immune system, or if you have had skin trauma.

Causes of Plantar Warts

When reviewing available research, plantar warts are caused by the Type 1 HPV. Another name for this virus is verruca plantaris. If you have direct contact with someone who has this type of infection, it can be transferred to your skin.

Avoiding public shower facilities is highly recommended due to the ease of transmission. Many times, healthy individuals can avoid the transmission due to their lymphocytes attacking the virus. It is best to remain safe and avoid uses of such places, as they are a place of high risk of such skin infection.

Understanding the risk factors will allow you to take control and avoid developing this type of skin infection. Teaching children the same concepts is also recommended.

Plantar Wart Symptoms

Do you have a plantar wart? How will you know? Knowing you have one is not really hard. Here are lists of symptoms which are related to plantar warts:

• Leg and back pain
• Pain in the foot
• Lesions on the skin which are firm with dark spots
• Surface area of wart is brown, or yellow-gray in color
• Mosaic warts

The above symptoms will help you detect plantar warts. A mosaic wart usually forms when the area is left untreated. If you see this type of ugly lesions occurring on the skin (mosaic effect), it is vitally important to begin treatment immediately. Disregard of the condition will result in further complications and harder treatment.

Plantar Wart Treatment

Two options are available for plantar wart treatment. Natural wart removers can be used as well as conventional methods. Remember – most warts will disappear without treatment. But, in some situations, you can rid yourself of pain with treatment, lessening the discomfort involved. Herbal remedies can be used as well as over the counter medications.

Another method of removal is called paring. This method is not recommended if you have peripheral artery disease, or diabetes. The process involves soaking the feet in water for approximately twenty minutes. Then, the lesion can be trimmed off the skin. This process does not draw blood and is generally painless since the lesion is made of thickened keratin.

Using Available Resources

When seeking options for plantar wart removal, it is best to use available resources before resorting to surgical removal. Topical applications are non-invasive and they are not costly to use when compared to the cost of surgery.

Generally, salicylic acid is used for wart removal. The only challenge is that it does not work for everyone who uses it. If this is your situation, then you can try some other topical agents before resorting to surgery.

Have you heard of plantar wart duct tape removal? Place duct tape over the wart for approximately six weeks. After this time, you can remove the tape strip and the wart will come off.

If you do not care for the duct tape removal method, you can try over-the-counter remedies which are available for plantar wart removal. For many areas, the most famous application of choice is called Wartrol.

Removing Plantar Warts with Wartrol

To avoid the costs of surgery, you can try the product called Wartrol for plantar wart removal. This product is 100% homeopathic and is safe to use. It is also highly effective for many plantar warts. Each ingredient in Wartrol is approved by the FDA, so you will have peace of mind in using it.

Using Wartrol is very easy – like 1, 2, and 3. Take the product and apply to the skin with a brush. Apply it directly to the warts on the skin and then allow the product to dry. This usually will take a minute, or two. Then, you will wait for approximately 20 minutes for the medication to dissolve the wart. As you can see, this product is very easy to use and convenient to apply at any time.

The Uniqueness of Wartrol

Wartrol is unique in how fast the product will dissolve warts on the skin. It is also a very effective product used by many. The ingredients are FDA approved and are natural oils which seep into the wart. Results are seen – to begin nearly immediately upon application.

Normally, some topical applications can put a pinch in your pocket book, but Wartrol is inexpensive and available at a fair price. Even better – it comes with a guarantee to give fast relief – or your money will be returned.

Wartrol – Free Offer

Wartrol is a very popular product for removal of plantar warts! With the advent of internet sales, it is available to nearly any location. Currently, the company is offering a great special! Individuals can buy one bottle – and get 2 FREE BOTTLES! This is a great way to save money on Wartrol and share with a friend!