Plantar Warts

Plantar Warts are characterized by a rough, often cauliflower like lesion on the plantar surface of the skin. The lesion can be a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be solo or present in a cluster known as mosaic verrucae. Often times the lesion appears to have pinpoint bleeding marks, and the edges of the lesion can be elevated due to hyperkaratosis (excessive skin formation) although, not to be confused with a corn or callus. Warts are technically known as verrucae and can be exceedingly difficult to eliminate. Warts (the non-sexually transmitted type) that present on the superficial skin are due to infection by human papillomavirus (HPV), serotypes 1,2 & 4. Generally the young and the old are most susceptible to non-sexually transmitted warts. The most common age group affected by warts is 5-16 years of age. The hand is the most common site of manifestation, followed by the plantar surface (sole) of the foot.

Warts can be transmitted via direct or indirect contact through tiny cuts or invisible abrasions present on the skin. They can also be transmitted to different sites on an individuals body once infected by certain behaviors such as biting finger nails and/or skin alongside the nails; this is known as autoinoculation. Not only can warts be unsightly, but they can also cause pain during walking if present at inopportune sites of the feet.

If you have a lesion you might suspect is a wart on your foot, please visit Dr. Michael Garvin’s website for more information regarding warts and treatments. Dr. Garvin is based in Port St. Lucie, Florida and accepts new patients. Call his East office at 772-335-7171, or the West office at 772-871-6020 to schedule an appointment today!