PLANTAR WARTS

These are warts that look like calluses and appear on the sole of the foot. They can be very painful. A viral infection creates these warts that always grow inward. The wart cannot grow outward because of weight placed on it when standing. More than one may occur.

Severe pain may be experienced when walking. Plantar warts are hard to treat. Repeated applications of salicylic acid (available over the counter) helps to soften the overlying callus and expose the virus. Other treatments include injecting the warts with medication, freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen and very rarely, surgery.