That small, rough patch of skin on your foot didn't seem like a big deal at first. But now, the spot has grown larger and become painful. You've tried over-the-counter wart removal products from the drugstore, but they haven't made much difference. Is it time to see a podiatrist?
Warts are a common skin problem caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While some foot warts eventually go away on their own, others can be stubborn and painful. Determining when to see a podiatrist for professional wart removal treatment can save you time, discomfort, and frustration.
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our experienced Arizona foot doctors help patients identify when to seek professional care for foot warts. Here are six signs it's time to skip the OTC products and visit a foot doctor.
1. Your Warts Are Painful
Pain is one of the most obvious signs that you should see a podiatrist for wart treatment. Plantar warts are the most common type of foot warts. They appear on the bottom of the foot, often on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball. These warts can be painful and may grow inward due to the pressure from walking and standing. If you have a wart on a weight-bearing area, it can feel like stepping on a small stone.
As the wart progresses, you may unconsciously change your gait to avoid putting pressure on the painful spot. This compensation can lead to several issues, including:
- Muscle strain
- Joint pain
- Altered biomechanics in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back
Your podiatrist can provide immediate pain relief by shaving off the top layers of the wart. More importantly, they can use treatments that target the underlying virus to eliminate the wart at its source. This allows you to walk comfortably again while reducing the risk of compensation injuries.
2. Your Warts Are Bleeding or Changing Appearance
While foot warts are usually relatively harmless, specific characteristics can indicate a more serious problem. Warts that bleed easily or spontaneously could indicate a more aggressive virus strain or an underlying health issue. If your wart changes color, shape, or size rapidly, have it checked by a doctor. Though rare, a lesion resembling a wart could indicate skin cancer.
Your podiatrist can properly diagnose the issue and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your case. They can also monitor the wart for any signs of more serious problems.
3. Your Warts Are Spreading
You may notice new warts popping up on your feet or other body parts. Most warts are caused by direct contact with the HPV virus. If you have one wart, you can easily spread the virus to other areas through tiny cuts or abrasions. Warts can also spread through indirect contact, such as walking barefoot on surfaces where the virus is present (public showers, locker rooms, pool decks) and sharing personal items like towels, shoes, or nail clippers with others.
Seeing a podiatrist for wart removal becomes crucial when you notice the warts spreading. Your foot doctor can safely remove all the warts and advise you on preventing future outbreaks. This may include the following recommendations:
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Avoid going barefoot in public places
- Do not share personal items with others
4. Over-the-Counter Wart Treatments Aren't Working
Numerous wart removal products, including salicylic acid liquids, gels, and patches, are available without a prescription. These products work by gradually peeling off the wart in layers. While they can be effective for some people, they don't always eliminate the wart and prevent it from returning.
If you've been diligently using OTC wart treatments for several weeks without seeing much improvement, it's time to see a podiatrist. Your foot doctor has access to more potent prescription-strength medications and in-office procedures that can more effectively remove stubborn warts.
Your podiatrist may recommend one of the following wart treatments:
- Cryotherapy. Freezing off the wart with liquid nitrogen
- Surgical excision. Cutting out the wart using a scalpel or curette
- Laser wart removal. Using a laser to destroy the wart tissue and blood vessels
Don't waste more time and money on products that aren't working when professional treatment is available.
5. You Have Diabetes or Another Health Condition
People with certain health conditions need to be extra cautious about any type of foot problem, including warts. If you have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or another condition that reduces sensation in your feet, you might not feel pain from a wart until it has progressed significantly.
Diabetes and circulatory problems can also make it harder for your body to fight infections. A small cut or abrasion from a wart can quickly develop into an infection or non-healing wound. Your body may struggle to clear the wart virus if you have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or certain medications.
Seeing a podiatrist for wart treatment is essential if you have diabetes, circulatory issues, or an immune system condition. Your foot doctor can monitor the wart closely and provide safe, effective treatment.
6. You're Not Sure If It's Really a Wart
Not every skin growth on the foot is a wart. Other conditions, such as corns, calluses, skin tags, and moles, can sometimes be mistaken for warts. Sometimes, a lesion that looks like a wart may be a sign of skin cancer.
If you're unsure whether you have a wart, it's best to see a podiatrist. Your Arizona foot doctor can examine the growth and perform tests to diagnose it correctly, ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment for your condition. Even if it is a harmless corn or callus, your podiatrist can safely remove it and provide tips to prevent it from returning. If it is a wart, you'll be glad you caught it early before it has a chance to grow larger or spread.
Don't let warts keep you from enjoying your regular activities. The experienced podiatrists at Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers provide comprehensive wart removal and treatment to restore your healthy feet. We offer in-office procedures like cryotherapy and surgical excision to eliminate warts safely. Our experienced foot doctors can also recommend preventive measures to reduce your risk of future outbreaks.