Warts Specialist

What are warts?

Warts are small, skin-colored growths that develop on the weight-bearing areas of your feet. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus and are highly contagious. 

Most warts cause minimal discomfort and resolve on their own without treatment. If they keep you from routine activities or affect your mobility, don’t wait to seek professional medical help.

What are the symptoms of warts?

Common symptoms of warts include:

• Pain while walking or standing
• A hardened bump on the heel or ball of your foot
• Small, flesh-colored growths with a black spot in the middle
• Increased tenderness or sensitivity

Often, warts form in clusters. If you have diabetes or another problem that affects your circulation, these clusters can increase the risk of complications, like an infection.

Who is at risk of developing warts?

Warts affect people of all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk. For example, warts are especially common in children and teenagers because their immune systems are still developing. 

Other factors that increase the risk of warts include having a weakened immune system or walking around barefoot in damp, public facilities, like a sauna or locker room.

Is there any way to prevent warts?

To reduce the risk of warts, Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist recommends:

• Keeping your feet clean and dry
• Avoiding direct contact with warts
• Not picking or scratching at warts
• Never share items like towels, shoes, or socks

If you do touch or scratch a wart, wash your hands with soap and warm water afterward.

How are warts diagnosed?

To diagnose warts, Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist examines your foot and asks about your symptoms. Then, they scrape a small sample from the wart and send it to a laboratory for further analysis. 

How are warts treated?

Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist removes warts in-office with salicylic acid or cryotherapy. Salicylic acid is a prescription-strength wart medication that stimulates your immune system’s ability to fight the wart. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing it to die and fall off.

The type of wart treatment that will most benefit you depends on the number of warts, their location, and your health history. Following a comprehensive exam, your provider can make recommendations that align with your needs.

To receive treatment for warts, make an appointment at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist. Call the nearest office or click the online booking tool.