Feet problems and infections can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, so it’s always best to nip them in the bud and get treatment as soon as possible to avoid any future complications. So, here are all the early signs and symptoms of a plantar wart you should know about, so you can get ahead of the problem.
What Is a Plantar Wart?
Plantar wart (or verruca plantaris) is a skin infection that manifests as a small, rough bump on your feet. They are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and they are most often found in young children, older people, and those with weakened immune systems.
What Are Common Locations of Plantar Warts
These bumps on the skin can be found on the feet’s bottom, typically on the areas that hold the most pressure, such as:
- On the heel of your foot,
- Between or on the toes,
- On the forefeet (specifically on the balls of your feet).
What Are Early Signs and Symptoms of a Plantar Wart
Early signs and symptoms of a plantar wart aren’t hard to spot; here’s how the condition progresses over stages and what to look for.
Stage 1: Small, Fleshy Lesion
The first thing you will notice is a small, fleshy lesion or a bump on the skin of your foot. It will usually be a bit lighter than your normal skin tone.
Stage 2: Tiny Black Dots
As the wart progresses, it will not only become thicker and cause discoloration, but it will also develop wart seeds – brown or black specks in the center of the wart, which are actually dried blood clots.
Stage 3: Discomfort or Pain
Once the wart fully develops, it can cause a significant amount of discomfort, tenderness, and foot pain, which can make everyday activities such as standing or walking difficult.
How to Differentiate Plantar Warts From Other Conditions
You can easily differentiate plantar warts from other types of skin conditions on your feet, such as foot corn or calluses. Plantar warts are set much deeper in the skin, cause discoloration, and, most importantly – their center contains dark specks or dots (wart seeds).
Why Is Early Detection Important?
Not only are they painful, but plantar warts are also highly contagious. The HPV virus is spread by direct contact, whether it’s skin-to-skin contact or simply being in touch with infectious surfaces. That’s why it’s so important to detect this skin infection early on, so you can treat it and prevent it from spreading further. Otherwise, the virus can stay in your system for up to 8 months.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
It’s always best to seek professional help and visit a doctor as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms of plantar warts, but especially if you notice bleeding, a change in color, or if your treatment plan failed and the wart has come back.
Give Your Doctor in Miami a Call and Have a Quick Diagnosis
While being aware of early signs and symptoms of plantar warts is very beneficial, you should never rely just on your self-diagnosis and start treatments without seeking a professional opinion. So, contact us and set up an appointment at the Luxe Foot Surgery clinic. Have the experienced surgeon in Miami examine you and provide you with a quick and accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
