The Basics About Foot Warts

Are you wondering what's that growing on your foot? Well, it's entirely possible that you have foot warts, which are also known as plantar warts.

Calluses, corns and other growths can grow on the feet, but warts are different because a virus causes them to grow. Specifically, this virus is known as the human papillomavirus (HPV).

You get the warts virus by way of the skins surface. In other words, the virus gets into the body via breaks or openings in the skin.

While foot warts are very common on the soles of the feet, you may also discover them on your toes, or even on the arches of your feet.

These particular warts have the same overall look as any other wart. They have an elevated, cauliflower like appearance. They're usually flesh colored with little spots in the center.

Sometimes just one wart appears, but they also can develop in groups.

Warts on the soles of the feet appear different from those on other parts of the foot. Specifically, the body's weight pressing down on the wart causes it to become flattened through time.

You may also find that these warts are clearly defined by their edges. As it happens, this borderline is a helpful way to tell it apart from other types of skin growths, like a blister.

Another way to differentiate foot warts from other types of growths is the speed at which they appear. Meaning, warts develop much more rapidly than other kinds of foot growths.

If you're unsure about what type of growth you have, then it's a good idea to see your doctor, especially if you're considering any kind of home treatment.

So what are your options? Here's a useful tip right up front. Don't just treat the foot warts you have.

Meaning, you should also ensure that you're reducing your chances of spreading warts to other areas of your skin. In other words, it's possible to spread HPV from one area of your body to another. This can happen if the affected area comes in contact with other parts of the body, so be sure not to touch your warts.

Also, the virus is able to survive outside the body, so avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Of course, certain public areas, such as pool decks, showers and swimming pools are likely places to come in contact with the virus.

Lastly, the more you wash and dry your feet, the more difficult it will be for the virus to proliferate.