What happens to a plantar wart if left untreated?

If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to 1 inch in circumference and may spread into clusters called mosaic warts. In severe cases, they can cause a change in gait or posture that results in leg or back pain–our job is to make sure that doesn't happen.

How long do plantar warts last untreated?

Plantar warts are caused by an infection with HPV in the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet. The warts develop when the virus enters through tiny cuts, breaks or weak spots on the bottom of the foot. If left untreated, warts can last from a few months to 2 years in children, and several years in in adults.

What happens if you don't get a plantar wart removed?

Plantar warts are highly contagious. Once one develops, if left unchecked, it can quickly spread to other parts of your foot. Soon, you'll have multiple warts to deal with instead of just one. Additionally, the warts or area around them may become infected, leading to serious issues.

Can plantar warts cause permanent damage?

Plantar warts are almost always benign, however, in rare cases (and particularly in people who are immunosupressed), warts of prolonged duration have been reported to undergo malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma or plantar verrucous carcinoma.

What happens if you have a wart for too long?

ANSWER: If left untreated, it is possible for warts to spread and for the virus that causes warts to be passed to another person. Fortunately, most adults have developed immunity to the viruses that cause warts.

What happens to Plantar Warts if not treated?

Can a wart last for 10 years?

Sometimes warts last longer, particularly in adults. In some cases warts may take between 5 and 10 years to clear. Treatment can often clear warts more quickly.

Can you leave a plantar wart alone?

Just leave it alone. Like other warts, most plantar warts eventually go away on their own. It might just take a year or two. If your plantar warts are painful or spreading to other areas of your feet, waiting is not an option.

Should I be worried about plantar warts?

You might have developed a plantar wart. While inconvenient or unattractive, plantar warts are not usually painful, leading patients to ignore the condition, putting themselves and others at risk. Instead, you should see a foot doctor like Anne Arundel County podiatrists Dr.

Can plantar warts turn cancerous?

And they don't turn into cancer. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can spread to other parts of the body and to other people by contact.

When should I go to the doctor for a planters wart?

You should seek medical care if the warts are painful or showing signs of infection, such as increased swelling, pain, warmth, redness, or pus drainage. Podiatrists use a variety of treatments to remove warts more quickly. These include topical medications, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical removal.

How do you get rid of a deep plantar wart?

What does a planters wart look like when it comes out?

Plantar warts often look like circular spots of thick, callused skin. These spots will typically have tiny black dots on the surface, which are actually bits of dried blood. Plantar warts are usually flat and grow inwards as pressure from walking is applied to them. This often leads to pain.

How do podiatrists remove plantar warts?

Topical medications. Laser therapy. Cryotherapy, or freezing. Shaving the wart and applying a special acid.

Should I ignore warts?

Foot warts can spread

Another downside to ignoring foot warts is that while you're trying to tackle the issue on your own, they can continue to spread, which causes even more pain and makes walking even more difficult. Instead of trying to manage plantar warts at home, come in to see Dr.

Do I have HPV if I have plantar warts?

If you've noticed new, small areas of growth on the sole of your child's foot recently, there's no need to panic. More than likely your child has been exposed to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV); a virus that can infect the skin leading to the development of plantar warts. Plantar warts are the most common infection …

What does a cancerous wart look like?

Squamous cell carcinoma has many symptoms, one of which is very wart-like. Squamous cell carcinoma usually first appears as: a red, scaly, sometimes crusty plaque of skin that may get bigger and develop a sore. a red, hard domed bump that won't go away.

How deep is a plantar wart?

When first diagnosed, individuals often feel a “lump” on the bottom of the foot when standing, similar to having a stone in a shoe. If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to 1 inch in circumference and may spread into clusters called mosaic warts.

Can you ignore plantar warts?

Unless they're painful or unsightly, you may be able to ignore them. But if you do get treatment, make sure it isn't worse than the condition you started with. Plantar warts are warts located on the sole or plantar surface of your foot.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a plantar wart at home?

What do black dots in warts mean?

Why Do Some Warts Have Black Dots in Them? If you look closely, many skin warts contain a number of black dots that resemble little seeds. These specks are visible blood vessels that are supplying the wart with nutrients and oxygen.

Should I go to a podiatrist for wart?

We always encourage you to seek medical attention if you notice any new warts on your feet. Some symptoms and conditions that warrant a visit to the podiatrist include: Warts that bleed or change appearance. Persistent, recurring, or multiple warts.

Should I see a podiatrist or dermatologist for plantar warts?

Most plantar warts aren't a serious health concern, but they may be bothersome or painful, and they can be resistant to treatment. You may need to see your Podiatrist to treat and remove plantar warts.

Why do planters warts hurt?

One of the biggest reasons plantar warts are so painful is because of their location. As growths form on the sole of your foot, you add pressure to the wart every time you walk, stand, or engage in physical activity.

Do warts get bigger before they go away?

Waiting for warts to go away could backfire, though: A wart might get bigger, new warts may appear, or you could give them to someone else. The best treatment depends on your age and health and the type of wart.

What will a doctor do for a plantar wart?

These include salicylic acid, duct tape, and freezing sprays. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine to put on warts or may inject them with medicine. Your doctor also can remove warts through surgery or by freezing them.