Plantarwartsare benign growths of epithelial cells in the form of small growths caused by human papillomavirus. These manifestations are localized directly in the supporting areas of the foot or toes.
Interesting facts:
- According to statistics, the most common manifestation of plantar warts is between 20 and 30 years.
- In most cases (more than 50%) plantar warts heal on their own without any treatment.
- According to various sources, HPV carriers (human papillomavirus) account for 70 to 90 percent of the world's population.
- Plant warts are popularly called "thorns". This interpretation is associated with thorns that are painful to press.
- Most types of HPV affect the skin.
Causes of warts
Warts are a viral skin disease caused by human papillomavirus.
There are about a hundred types of this virus. Thanks to the following protective properties of the body, they can enter the human body and do not show themselves for a long time:
- immunity;
- phagocytosis (is a non-specific defense reaction of the body, ie when a pathological agent enters the body, phagocytes surround it and destroy it).
The risk of human papillomavirus infection depends on the following factors:
- viral activity in human carriers;
- nature of contact (direct or indirect contact);
- Immunity of an infected person.
70-90% of people are carriers of human papillomavirus, however, the presence or absence of a wart depends on the state of immunity. People with reduced body resistance are more prone to the appearance of warts. When the body is affected by negative factors (For example, stress, fatigue, insomnia, poor hygiene) increase the risk of warts in cases that weaken the immune system.
Papilloma virus can be transmitted through contact with a person with warts, for example, by shaking hands (towels, slippers);
There are the following predisposing factors for human papillomavirus infection:
- sweating of the feet (loosens the skin and facilitates the penetration of various infections);
- Frequent washing, cleaning (Frequent skin irritation with various detergents destroys the skin's protective barrier and thus facilitates the penetration of the virus )
- microtrauma of the skin or mucous membrane (cracks, scratches, abrasions are the gateway for infection to enter the body);
- uncomfortable narrow shoes that cause the skin of the foot to rub (calluses, abrasions are also a gateway for infection to enter the body);
- diseases that cause malnutrition of the foot epithelium (for example, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis);
- virus infection can occur through pedicure tools (if the tools are not disinfected);
- public baths, saunas or swimming pools (places where the feet are in direct contact with the likely infected floor surface).
Human skin consists of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat. Human papillomavirus, which penetrates the skin tissue, affects the basal layer of the epidermis. Later, as they multiply, the virus-infected cells rise from all layers of the epidermis and are localized in the superficial layer of the epithelium, the cornea, and present themselves as rough and keratinized skin.
Human papillomavirus
HPV is an infection of the papovavirus family that affects the mucous membranes of the organs (genitals in general) as well as the epithelial cells of the skin. When a papillomavirus enters a cell in the human body, it contains DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which stimulates the production of new virus particles.
All types of HPV can be roughly divided into two groups:
- papillomaviruses with oncogenic features;
- non-oncogenic papillomaviruses.
Note:Oncogenic properties contribute to the formation of malignant tumors.
Today, there are more than a hundred human papillomaviruses. Plantar warts are usually caused by the first type of HPV, and in some cases can be caused by the second or fourth type (noncogenic papillomaviruses).
HPV usually affects everyone who has sex. Eight out of ten people are infected with the virus. Of all the HPV types, 6, 11, 16, and 18 are the most dangerous, and these HPV types can cause papillomas, condyloma, and cancer.
Symptoms and how warts appear on the feet
Human tissue papillomavirus can be passive or active.
- The passive state is characterized by the slow multiplication of the virus in the basal layer of the epidermis, the epithelium does not reach the stratum corneum, so this condition does not manifest itself.
- The active condition is characterized by the active development of the virus and its manifestation in the upper layers of the epidermis with numerous symptoms.
| Feature | Solma | Image |
| glossy surface | Initially, the plantar wart looks like a shiny plaque, then the surface is keratinized, rough and coarse. |  |
| Dimensions | Plantar warts range in size from one centimeter to two centimeters and rise one to three millimeters above the surface of the epithelium. Often warts are oval or round. There is also the concept of mother and daughter warts. At first, the mother's wart appears and is the largest; As a rule, younger daughter warts may form around. Over time, mother and daughter warts can come together to form large lesions. | |
| Hunger | The plantar wart is on its feet with most of its weight. The wart is compressed between the heel and the bones, causing the surrounding tissues to harden. These warts are often very painful because the wart can compress the nerves in the legs and cause pain when walking. | |
| Color | ||
| black dots | If the spleen layer is removed from the surface of the wart, dark spots may appear in the bed of the affected area due to thrombosis of the bleeding capillaries in this area. This is a feature of plantar warts that is different from corns and seeds. |
Removal of heel warts
There are many effective and safe treatments for plantar warts. However, it should be noted that in some cases, reliable removal of warts is complicated by the penetration of human papillomavirus into the deepest layers of the epidermis (basal layer).
Wart treatment is needed in the following cases:
- warts hurt;
- wart bleeds;
- large wart;
- the color of the wart is uneven (for example, spots appeared inside);
- Warts have a rapid growth rate.
The following methods are available to remove plantar warts:
- cryodestruction;
- laser coagulation;
- electrocoagulation;
- radio wave operation;
- surgical excision.
Cryodestruction
This method involves exposing the wart to liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees. Cryodestruction is characterized by the destruction of the affected area by viruses when the wart is frozen, followed by stimulation of the body's immune forces. However, it should be noted that if the wart is visible and present for up to six months, the efficiency of its removal is 84%. The effectiveness of removing warts that have been present for more than six months is reduced to 39%.
Cryodestruction procedure can be performed:
- in general (liquid nitrogen is applied until a light halo two millimeters in diameter appears around the wart);
- aggressive (after a slight halo appears around the wart, liquid nitrogen continues to be applied for another five to twenty seconds).
Studies show that the method of aggressive freezing of warts is more effective than the traditional method, but the disadvantage is that it is more painful.
After the removal of the wart at the site of exposure, there is hyperemia (redness) on the skin, followed by edema. After a few hours, a foam forms on the affected area (may be hemorrhagic or serous fluid) and about six to seven days after the bladder dries, a crust forms on the spot that disappears on its own within two weeks.
After removing the wart, follow these rules:
- a blister formed at the site of the wart should not be opened;
- the affected area should not be covered with adhesive tape;
- dressing with a sterile dressing without compression is recommended to prevent mechanical damage and contamination of the affected area;
- It is recommended to treat the affected area with salicylic alcohol 2% twice a day;
- Try not to let water in the area of exposure.
| Advantages of the method | Disadvantages of the method |
| tissue heals without scarring | If liquid nitrogen exposure occurs on the surface, there is a high probability of recurrence (recurrence) warts |
| The procedure is performed without local anesthesia. | There may be local hypo or hyperpigmentation after the procedure |
| Removal of warts by this method takes two minutes a year | If there is a deeper cut, there is a risk of scarring |
Laser coagulation
Laser wart removal is one of the most common treatment methods today. This method is characterized by layer-by-layer cauterization of the affected area, which allows to control the depth of exposure. In addition, when a wart is removed, the laser beam also solds the blood vessels, thus preventing bleeding at the site of exposure.
The following laser coagulation methods are available:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a laser.The wart is exposed to infrared light (wavelength 10, 600 nm). The disadvantage of this method of treatment is that the tissue is not selective, ie there is a possibility of damage to healthy tissues. The efficiency of cleaning plantar warts using a carbon dioxide laser is 70%.
- Erbium laser.This method is characterized by a wavelength of less than 2940 nm, which significantly reduces the likelihood of scarring after tissue epithelialization. The effectiveness of this treatment is 75%.
- Pulsed dye laser.This method is characterized by selective assimilation of energy (wavelength 586 nm), which destroys the dilated capillaries in the wart, as well as stimulates the immune system, which effectively heals. The effectiveness of this method of treatment is about 95%.
After laser treatment, a crust forms on the affected area, which disappears on its own within seven to ten days. It is not recommended to peel and lubricate with anything (ointments, creams, alcoholic solutions)). In addition, in the first few days after the procedure, it is necessary to prevent water at the site of exposure.
| Advantages of the method | Disadvantages of the method |
| tissue heals without scarring | The disadvantages of this method include only the high cost of the procedure |
| fast tissue healing | |
| low repetition risk (repetition) | |
| does not affect healthy tissue |
Electrocoagulation
Plantar warts are exposed to a high frequency current. Catheterization of the affected area should be performed under local anesthesia. Due to a coagulation cycle applied to the affected area of the skin, an electric current is applied to the wart, which causes death. In addition, the action of high temperatures leads to soldering of blood vessels, which prevents the development of bleeding.
After the procedure, a dense crust forms at the site of exposure and disappears on its own within ten days.
After removing the wart, follow these rules:
- Try not to get water or soap on the affected skin area during healing;
- The resulting crust should not be touched or torn;
- For the first seven to ten days, it is recommended to treat the affected area with antiseptic once or twice a day.
| Advantages of the method | Disadvantages of the method |
| The current value of the procedure | for small, shallow warts |
| prevents bleeding | When exposed to deeper layers of skin after tissue healing, scars may remain |
| The procedure lasts from a few seconds to a minute | Surface removal of warts can cause recurrence |
Radio wave operation
This method of treatment involves the use of a special electrode that emits high-frequency radio waves (3. 8 - 4. 0 MHz). Exposure to high temperatures in plant warts causes the cells affected by the papilloma virus to evaporate. In addition, the use of this method prevents the development of bleeding due to the rupture of blood vessels. After exposure, a crust forms on the affected part of the skin, which disappears spontaneously within seven to ten days.
Contraindications during healing:
- You should not wet the moxibustion site for the first two days after the procedure; Clean the
- bark within seven to ten days.
| Advantages of the method | Disadvantages of the method |
| When exposed to the affected area, healthy tissue is virtually unaffected | high cost of procedure |
| There is minimal risk of scarring after tissue healing | |
| low risk of remission after treatment (two to five percent) |
Surgical excision
This method is characterized by the removal of warts with a scalpel under local anesthesia. Stitches removed seven to ten days after cutting the affected area are applied.
| Advantages of the method | Disadvantages of the method |
| used to clean large warts | After the stitches are removed, scars may remain on the affected area |
| There is a risk of remission (absence of symptoms) warts |
General principles of care for the affected skin area after wart removal:
- If a crust forms, it should not be touched or torn;
- Restrict water access to the affected area;
- It is not possible to detect the location of direct sunlight after removing the wart;
- no cosmetic product (cream or lotion) should be applied to the affected skin area;
- It is not recommended to go to public saunas, baths or swimming pools for a month or two after warts are removed;
- It is recommended to use vitamins A, C and E after wart removal, as it promotes rapid tissue regeneration (improvement) and also stimulates the body's defenses.
Note:If complications occur after wart removal (inflammation of the affected area, long-term healing, scarring), you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Procedural contraindications for all treatments are:
- diabetes mellitus;
- presence of malignant tumors;
- pregnancy;
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases near warts;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- increased body temperature;
- high blood pressure (more than 140 per 100 millimeters of mercury).
Treatment of warts without surgery
It is recommended to use traditional treatments for single and shallow plantar warts.
| the name of the tool used | Baking | appeal |
| acetic acid | You need to take 70% acetic acid, petroleum jelly and prepare a pipette to apply the correct dosage. | Before using acetic acid, apply petroleum jelly to healthy skin around the wart. Then a drop of acetic acid should be injected into the wart using a pipette. Use this method once a day until the warts disappear. |
| garlic infusion | Chop three cloves of garlic and then pour boiling water (50 ml). After one hour, the resulting infusion should be filtered and used. | Lubricate the wart area once a day with the resulting infusion until the form is completely gone. |
| physiological solution | Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in warm water (100 ml) and add a tablespoon of vinegar (9%). The resulting solution should be thoroughly mixed and then immersed in a plum pulp and infused for two hours. Over time, the plums need to be removed from the solution and turned into a gruel. |
As a result, plum gruel should be applied to the wart. Wrap your feet and put a sock on for a secure fit. This compress should be released within two to three hours. The procedure should be repeated daily until the wart is completely gone. |
| wormwood infusion | Add three tablespoons of dried wormwood to a glass of warm water (250 ml), cover and infuse for two hours. |
The resulting solution should be applied to the affected areas of the foot three or four times a day until warts appear. |
| lemon peel infusion | Peel a squash, grate it and squeeze the juice. Then add 100 ml of 9% table vinegar to the jar and close the jar with a tight lid. The contents should be brewed for a week, shaking the jar from time to time. At the end of the period, the infusion should be filtered. | The resulting infusion should be moistened with warts twice a day until it is completely gone. |
| St John's wort decoction | For a glass of water (250 ml) a tablespoon of chopped St. John's wort. Add John's wort and simmer for 15 minutes. After cooking, the broth should be cooled and then filtered. | You should lubricate the resulting broth three or four times a day until the warts are completely gone. |
| Note:In case of any side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately. | ||
Currently, thyme is also used effectively in the treatment of plantar warts. This plant has a yellow-orange medicinal juice.
The wreath has the following medicinal properties:
- bactericide (causes the death of latent microorganisms);
- anti-inflammatory;
- antispasmodic;
- choleretic;
- antiviral;
- wound healing;
- embossing;
- against itching;
- celandine contains vitamins A and C.
When treating plantar warts, it should be applied to the affected skin two or three times a day until the wart is completely gone. Before applying celandine, it is recommended to steam your feet thoroughly in warm water and remove the keratinized part of the wart with a pumice stone.
Breadfruit has the following therapeutic effects in the treatment of plantar warts:
- helps reduce pain while walking;
- accelerates the drying of the wart and the formation of crusts;
- , stimulates local immune reactions due to the content of vitamins A and C.
Bread also contains various acids that are susceptible to HPV (ascorbic, succinic, German, citric).
To increase the effectiveness of treatment of plantar warts, the following recommendations should be followed:
- perform daily foot hygiene procedures;
- vitamins should be used regularly to strengthen the immune system (for example, vitamins A, E, C); Use
- individual shoes (for example slippers);
- with dry skin of the feet should regularly use moisturizing and nourishing foot creams;
- In public places (bath, sauna or pool) personal slippers should be used and not barefoot;
- choose the right shoes carefully (eg suitable size, natural materials);
- In case of excessive sweating of the feet, it is necessary to use drying agents and also try to choose shoes that are suitable for the weather.