♦ What are Planter Warts?
A wart is a growth that can occur anywhere on our body that is exposed to the environment. The most common places to find warts are on the bottoms of our feet or our hands. Warts are caused by a virus known as Human Papilloma Virus. Although warts can occur anywhere, the reasons why our hands and feet are most vulnerable is that these areas are in the greatest contact with this virus. These viruses are more highly concentrated in areas with high humidity (swimming areas, showers, locker rooms, shoes) although they are generally found universally around us. Those that are most vulnerable to this virus are children and people with compromised immunity.
♦ Symptoms of Plantar Warts
Warts usually begin as a small corn like lesion and will progress to a cauliflower like appearance. At this stage warts are usually confused for corns or calluses. There are usually black dots within the lesion. These black dots represent tiny blood vessels. Therefore, when attempting to remove these lesions, bleeding will most likely occur. Warts can also occur in groups or coalesce into a large mass known as Mosaic warts. When they become larger, they can become quite painful, especially on the bottoms of feet. Since warts are caused by a virus, they are contagious and can spread to other parts of the body such as the hands.