| Plantar wart | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Verruca myrmecia, verruca plantaris[1] |
 | |
| Close up image of a large plantar wart | |
| Specialty | Dermatology, Podiatry |
| Symptoms | Skin colored lesion, may be painful[2] |
| Complications | Trouble walking,[2] transmission to other parts of the body, callus formation |
| Duration | Two years[2] |
| Causes | Human papillomavirus (HPV)[2] |
| Risk factors | Communal showers and pools, barefoot walking, open footwear, prior warts, poor immune function[2][3] |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms[3] |
| Differential diagnosis | Callus, molluscum contagiosum, squamous cell carcinoma[2] |
| Treatment | Salicylic acid, chemo-based Fluorouracil and bleomycin,[4] cryotherapy, surgical removal[2] |
| Frequency | Common[5] |
A plantar wart is a wart occurring on the bottom of the foot or toes.[5] Its color is typically similar to that of the skin.[2] Small black dots often occur on the surface.[5] One or more may occur in an area.[2] They may result in pain with pressure such that walking is difficult.[2]
They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).[2] A break in the skin is required for infection to occur.[2] Risk factors include use of communal showers, having had prior warts, and poor immune function.[2][3] Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms.[3]
Treatment is only needed if it is causing symptoms.[3] This may include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, chemo-based fluorouracil or bleomycin, and surgical removal.[2] The skin atop the lesion should generally be removed before treatment.[2] In about a third to two-thirds of cases, they go away without specific treatment, but this may take a few years.[2] Plantar warts are common.[5] Children and young adults are most often affected.[3]
- ^ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. p. 405. ISBN 978-0-7216-2921-6.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Vlahovic, TC; Khan, MT (July 2016). "The Human Papillomavirus and Its Role in Plantar Warts: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management". Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 33 (3): 337–53. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2016.02.003. PMID 27215155.
- ^ a b c d e f Ferri, Fred F. (2017). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2018 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 1375. ISBN 9780323529570.
- ^ Salk, Robert S.; Grogan, Kirk A.; Chang, Thomas J. (May 2006). "Topical 5% 5-Fluorouracil Cream in the Treatment of Plantar Warts: A Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Clinical Study". Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 5 (5): 418–24. PMID 16703777.
- ^ a b c d "Plantar Warts". AOFAS. Archived from the original on 11 November 2017. Retrieved 11 November 2017.