While most people get pedicures to wind down and relax, pedicurists want some of their customers to know a few things they should and should not expect from the process. While pedicurists will take care of your feet by removing dead skin and calluses, somethings they just cannot take care of. For example, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, and fungal should not be taken care of at home or at a nail salon, they should be taken care of by a podiatrist. “A podiatrist is qualified to take care of the problem as quickly as and pain-free as possible,” says pedicurist Alexandra Calle.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you have any concerns with plantar warts on your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

·         Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy

·         Hard or thick callused spots

·         Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots

·         Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

·         Freezing

·         Electric tool removal

·         Laser Treatment

·         Topical Creams (prescription only)

·         Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about plantar warts.