Planters Warts
Planters warts refer to an infection that normally affects the sole of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which also causes other types of warts. This virus is common in general public swimming pools and showers. Its capacity to remain alive for a fairly long time without a host makes it very catching. It can get into the skin through either direct contact or through cuts and abrasions that may be on the outer layer of the skin.
This contamination is easy to detect since the warts form some skin striations and are generally painful. They may also break out into clusters that are generally known as mosaic warts, which will make it look like you have been practising your art class on your feet – pun intended. This contamination mostly is present at the ball or the heel of the feet. The strange thing about these warts is that, though it is easy to feel them while walking, they are just about invisible, particularly in the first few weeks. For some people, they can remain unseen for months. Another thing that tells the difference from planters warts from other warts is that they generally grow inwards and they can be coated by a hard layer of skin or a callous tissue.
Although this infection does not spread very much due to the self-limiting nature of the virus, it is recommended to seek treatment from a qualified healthcare
professional. Some people tend to neglect it since the warts come and go depending on the strength of the person's immune system. Other folks try to get rid of them on their own. This is not advised, since a small growth on the foot can be something else such as a tumor or a clogged sweat glad.
There are several treatment methods for this problem. The first treatment that you can perform on your own at home is applying a plaster or a gel; both of which are available from local stores. However, this method is not very efficient and the warts may return when the latent virus close to the healthy skin is incited. Luckily, there are some adequate treatment methods that have been found to work.
The first one involves the use of Keratolytic chemicals such as salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid. Making use of salicylic acid is the most common treatment method that is used to treat this contamination. By applying the acid every day for 12 weeks, you can absolutely clear the warts from your feet. Salicylic acid is available over-the-counter in various drug stores.
Another very effective wart treatment is surgery. Laser surgery is particularly used to clear the warts without leaving scars on the affected foot.
Immunotherapy is a relatively new method that is being used to deal with this problem. It requires the injection of antigens such as trichophytin, candida or mumps into the wart to trigger an immune response to the wart.
Chemotherapy is an older, but very effective treatment foIt r wart infection. It requires the administering of chemical substances such as glutaraldehyde and 5-fluoro-uracil.
Application of liquid nitrogen or cryotherapy is also effective.
The last known adequate method of treating planters warts is the application of retinoids such as adapalene cream, tretinoin and isotretinoin. These chemical compounds can clear a wart infection within 8 weeks. If you are currently suffering from this trouble, you need to consult a physician who can recommend an appropriate treatment method.
