Plantar warts are the annoying grainy growths that develop on the bottom of your foot. An infection in the foot causes the growth, and in some cases may cause pain and irritation. Warts are pain to treat and can take several years to remove naturally. The best treatment method for the growth is to simply prevent them from occurring.
In this blog, the podiatrists at Physicians Footcare explain how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Follow these five preventative tips and prioritize your foot health to avoid the inconveniences plantar warts bring.
What is a Plantar Wart?
Plantar warts are caused by an HPV infection on the outer layers of the skin. They commonly develop on the bottom of the foot in highly calloused areas like the heel. The growth develops when the virus enters the foot through small cracks and cuts in the skin.
The virus is not highly contagious and does not easily spread from one person to another. However, the virus will spread through the skin after the first infection if left untreated.
The HPV virus thrives in warm and damp areas. Making locker rooms, public showers, and pools a breeding ground for the virus. Individuals who frequent areas such as this are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, and people who have had a plantar wart before are more prone to redeveloping the infection.
Warding Off Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are a pain to remove and can take several years to remove naturally. To avoid treatment and pesky procedures take the proper preventative measures to avoid contracting the virus altogether. Our podiatrists at Physicians Footcare have compiled a list of the five most effective ways to prevent plantar warts from showing up on your feet.
Wear Protective Footwear
Avoid walking barefoot in public spaces, especially in swimming pools, locker rooms, communal showers, and gyms. All of which are areas where you are likely to contract HPV. Wear flip-flops, shower shoes, or water shoes to prevent your feet from touching the ground. Protective footwear decreases your chances of coming in direct contact with HPV.
Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Proper foot care and maintenance are key to the health of your feet. An effective routine helps to prevent the growth of warts.
Be sure to wash your feet daily with soap and warm water, and make sure to thoroughly dry the area when you are finished. Damp areas support the growth of viruses and plantar warts. Ensure that your feet are fully dried after swimming, showering, and sweating.
Changing your socks regularly will help to keep your feet dry and prevent the spread of infection. Wear clean socks made of moisture-wicking material to prevent your feet from getting damp throughout the day. Remember to change your socks daily, especially after sweating.
Protective Measures in High-Risk Areas
Always wear protective footwear in high-risk areas such as pools, public showers, and locker rooms. If you have plantar warts on your feet protect yourself from developing more and stop the spread of the virus through protective measures.
If you go to a high-risk area with a plantar wart, be sure to keep the infected area covered. You can cover the wart with a waterproof bandage, shoes, or with an over-the-counter salicylic treatment. Create a protective barrier between the wart and the public space to protect yourself and others.
Avoid Sharing Personal Foot Care Items
To stop the spread of the infection refrain from sharing personal foot hygiene tools with others. This includes socks, nail files, nail trimmers, pumice stones, socks, and towels. Sharing hygienic tools allows the virus to spread from one person to another. Furthermore, if you are going to use one of these tools to remove your plantar wart, be sure to use a different tool when working with healthy skin and nails.
If you have a plantar wart refrain from touching the infected area and then touching other parts of the foot and body. Touching the wart and then touching other parts of the body allows the infection to spread.
It is important to be mindful when touching the area with your hands and with tools. Being careful will help to prevent the infection from spreading.
Boost Your Immune System
A strong immune system makes all the difference when fighting off viruses. To strengthen your immune system it's important to maintain a healthy diet, incorporate exercise into your routine, and get enough sleep. Staying healthy will help your body fight off HPV and plantar warts.
Keep Your Feet Healthy By Preventing Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are an annoying inconvenience and the best way to deal with them is to prevent them from growing in the first place. By following these preventative measures you will significantly reduce your chances of contracting the HPV virus associated with the plantar warts on your feet. However, if you notice a new growth or already have warts on your feet contact your local podiatry office for treatment options. At Physicians Footcare we offer expert advice, proper diagnosis, and effective treatment plans, schedule an appointment today.
