Plantar warts can be a pain in the foot...

If you have plantar warts you have got to learn how to eliminate them

A plantar wart is a growth on the soles of your feet that is not cancerous.

These warts are however caused by the human papillomavirus. It is said that small abrasions or slices in the skin allow the HPV to move on into your body.

These types of warts are not usually harmful but can be very annoying and uncomfortable as they tend to show up on the sensitive parts of your feet on the pressure points.

Do you have them

Plantar warts are often misdiagnosed by the people that have them. Many people think that are calluses, which are completely normal and harmless, and sometime corns. A doctor should make the diagnosis but if you were to try to diagnose your warts look for small bumpy items on the soles of the feet. These warts have defined edges and are grayish brown in color with possible black spots on them.

Plantar wart causes

If a person comes in contact with the human papillomavirus, of which there are dozens of varieties, they can end up with warts. Some types of the virus can lead to warts on your hands and fingers and yet others can give you warts on your feet. The good thing is that the plantar warts are not considered highly contagious but like to hang around warm spots like showers and locker rooms. The barefoot walking in these types of areas can be a way to contract it. No all of the people that come into contact with the virus that causes plantar warts will get them but they could since all people are different.

Treatment of plantar warts

These warts tend to go away on their own if left alone however the majority of people that have them want them gone fast. There are a number of over the counter medications to help get rid of these warts however we always recommend that you see a doctor to make a true diagnosis and recommend treatment options.

If you are going to try without a doctor's opinion make sure you research the medications carefully and understand what it is and how it will work. The best bet for success is knowledge.

Preventing plantar warts

Avoid coming into contact with plantar warts and other kinds of warts on other people. Keep your feet dry as often as possible and wash them regularly and thoroughly. Stay in shoes or sandals while walking in places like public locker rooms, restrooms and showers. If you do end up with plantar warts leave them alone. If you want to get them treated or have to apply medication then do so, otherwise do not touch or pick at them. If you pick at plantar warts or any other type of wart and then touch another part of your body or someone else's body the virus can spread creating an ongoing and hard to stop cycle. Not to say that plantar warts will spread as fast as some other types of warts like vaginal warts, but they can spread to other people.

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