Plantar Warts
How to get rid of viral warts, such as plantar warts?
Have you suddenly noticed dense nodules on your skin, round or elongated in shape? Most likely these are viral warts, which indicate the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body.
These whitish nodules are usually painless and may seem completely harmless. However, they should not be ignored or treated carelessly.
Only a medical professional can determine what type of skin lesion has appeared, whether it poses any risk, and how it should be treated. At Estonian Foot Clinic, professional treatment is provided for plantar warts and other viral warts.
Why you should consult a specialist
If you notice a plantar wart or any other viral wart, the best decision is to consult a specialist instead of attempting self-treatment. There are several reasons for this:
- This defect affects the aesthetic appearance of the skin and rarely improves on its own.
- Viral warts can spread to family members or other people.
- There is a risk that a wart may develop into a malignant tumor (malignant transformation), especially in cases of improper self-treatment or frequent injury.
- If the wart is damaged, inflammation or infection may develop.
- Viral warts tend to increase both in size and number due to self-infection.
- When rubbing or pressing on a wart, pain or discomfort may occur, especially with plantar warts located on the sole of the foot.
In short, if you discover a plantar wart or any other viral wart, it is best to have it professionally removed. It is important to remember that removal should only be performed by a qualified doctor in a medical facility. This approach helps prevent possible complications and ensures the best cosmetic result.
Our clinic provides effective removal of various types of warts, including:
- Flat warts
Small pinkish or skin-colored nodules. They usually occur in children and adolescents and most often appear on the face and backs of the hands. - Common warts
Dense, painless growths with a broad surface. In appearance, they resemble skin-colored cauliflower-like formations. They are most commonly found on the hands and less frequently on the face. Their size usually ranges from 3–10 mm. - Plantar warts
Dense, dry, greyish or yellowish keratinized formations that usually appear on the soles of the feet, especially in areas exposed to constant friction or pressure from footwear. Plantar warts differ from other warts because they often cause pain when walking or when pressure is applied.
The cause of viral warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is usually transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, but infection may also occur through shared objects or surfaces used by an infected individual.
Factors that promote the development of warts
- Reduced immune defense or weakened immune system
- Stress and nervous tension
- Excessive sweating of the hands and feet
- Tight or uncomfortable footwear
- Unprotected sexual contact (in cases of certain HPV strains)
If you notice symptoms of viral warts, specialists at Estonian Foot Clinic will provide professional diagnosis and effective treatment.