That strange-looking bump on the bottom of your foot could be what's known as a plantar wart. Plantar warts, caused by a virus, strike the soles of the feet, may occur alone or in bunches, and can be quite painful. If you think you have a plantar wart, make an appointment to see a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Show
Plantar Warts: What Are They? A plantar wart is a wart caused by a type of human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the body through tiny cracks in the skin on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts:
A plantar wart "can take any shape but often resembles a cauliflower with black speckles throughout the lesion," says Timothy C. Ford, DPM, director of the podiatric residency program at Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare in Louisville, Ky. Just one plantar wart may appear on your foot, but they can also pop up in bunches, known as mosaic warts. Most often, they are found on the ball or heel of the foot, but can occur anywhere on the sole of the foot. Plantar Warts: Risk Factors While anyone can get a plantar wart, young children and teenagers are particularly prone to them. Plantar warts are "more common in children than adults as we build immunity with age," explains Dr. Ford. Public showers and baths, pools, and locker rooms are all common areas where you can come into contact with the virus that causes plantar warts, says Ford. Other risk factors for plantar warts include:
Plantar Warts: Diagnosis Even if you're pretty sure that you have a plantar wart, it's best to go to a podiatrist for a diagnosis. In some cases, what you think might be a plantar wart is actually something more serious, like skin cancer. While this isn't very common, it's still better to check with a podiatrist to be sure. If it is a plantar wart, you'll need a podiatrist to treat the condition anyway — you shouldn't try to take care of a plantar wart yourself. They are difficult to treat and may frequently come back. Often, plantar warts require surgical removal by a podiatrist. "There are many ways to treat [plantar warts], from topical [medications] to surgical [procedures], depending on the symptoms and the length of time the wart has been present," says Ford. If you suspect you have a plantar wart, make an appointment to see a podiatrist so that you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, remember to be careful not to allow anyone else to come into contact with your plantar wart, as they can be contagious. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter!Enter your email By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Foot HealthCramped seats, salty snacks, and long periods of sitting are a recipe for uncomfortable swelling. But these expert tips can help you prevent discomfort... 10 Common Foot Problems and How to Manage ThemYour feet take a pounding every day. Help them go the distance by identifying and correcting issues ranging from corns and calluses to athlete's foot ... By Brian P. DunleavySeptember 4, 2020How Nutrition Can Affect Your FeetA healthy diet can help manage chronic conditions that cause foot problems. By Eric Metcalf, MPHFebruary 28, 20189 Healing Home Cures for BlistersDon't let bothersome blisters sideline your feet. Try one of these Everyday Health reader-recommended and dermatologist-vetted home remedies to soothe... By Sharon TanenbaumJanuary 5, 201811 Tips to Protect Your Feet and Legs if You Have DiabetesFrom inspecting your feet for sores to keeping your skin dry, good foot health is essential when you have diabetes. Practice these tips to reduce the ... By Madeline R. Vann, MPHDecember 5, 20177 Healthy Habits to Prevent Toenail FungusWarm, sweaty feet are a breeding ground for a toenail fungal infection. Find out how you can sidestep this threat and keep your feet healthy. By Diana RodriguezSeptember 8, 20148 Risk Factors for Toenail Fungal InfectionsFrom the polish on your toenails to the sports you play, there are many factors that can increase your risk of toenail fungal infections. By Diana RodriguezSeptember 8, 2014The Dangers of Ignoring Toenail Fungal InfectionsEven a minor discoloration can be a sign of toenail fungus and worthy of a doctor visit. Find out why and how to get help for symptoms of toenail fungus... By Jennifer Acosta ScottSeptember 8, 20145 Things You Didn't Know About Toenail Fungal InfectionsIt's a toenail fungal infection, so what else is there to know? Plenty, it turns out. Learn about these surprising facts about toenail fungus. By Jennifer Acosta ScottSeptember 8, 2014Treating Toenail FungusOnce afoot, toenail fungus can be hard to kick. Here are some techniques for prevention and treatment of toenail fungus. Why is there a brown stain on my foot?Hemosiderin staining usually happens on the lower leg, near the ankles, or on your feet. It's caused by blood leaking out of the tiny vessels called capillaries. The blood pools under the skin and leave a residue of hemoglobin that settles in the tissue there.
What does melanoma look like on bottom of foot?Look for the signs of melanoma
Aside from looking like a changing mole, a melanoma on the foot can appear as a: Brown or black vertical line under a toenail. Pinkish-red spot or growth. New spot or growth where you injured your foot.
How do you get rid of brown spots on the bottom of your feet?Answer. Patients with pigmented spots on the bottoms of their feet can use hydroquinone, over the counter or at a higher strength (4%) from a doctor. I would not give a patient a prescription unless I had done a biopsy to make sure the dark spot or mole was non-cancerous.
Can you get melanoma on the bottom of your foot?Melanomas may occur on the skin of the feet and on occasion beneath a toenail. They are found both on the soles and on the top of the feet. As a melanoma grows and extends deeper into the skin, it becomes more serious and may spread through the body through the lymphatics and blood vessels.
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