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Warts (Plantar Warts)

Warts are caused by a virus and run in the epidermis of the skin. They have a high rate of recurrence, and can multiply if left untreated. When found under the foot, they are known as "Plantar Warts" - plantar - simply meaning "undersurface" of the foot. Plantar warts have a spongy appearance with black, brown or red spots. They are often mistaken for corns or calluses.

There are many ways to treat these benign lesions. There is no best way, and there is no quick way. The following are common treatments for the problem.

Chemical Removal

Prescription chemicals are used topically to destroy the wart. Often this is the first line of treatment. The chemical is applied in the office in a series of treatments, or in some cases the patient may apply the medicine at home. In any case, the patient needs to follow up weekly to have the wart "trimmed" down.

Surgical Curettage

This can be done in the office under local anesthesia, or as an outpatient at a hospital or surgery center. The area is numbed, and a special instrument called a curette is used to excise the wart. The base is then cauterized to discourage re-growth.

Laser Surgery

There are 2 types of lasers used in the treatment of warts: 1. CO2 Laser, and 2. Pulsed Dye Laser.

CO2 Laser: This laser is used surgically by vaporizing the wart cells. Postoperatively, bleeding, pain, and scarring are less likely than simple excision with a curette. This procedure is performed with a local anesthetic, and weight bearing is usually allowed immediately.

Pulsed Dye Laser: This laser emits a small powerful pulse of light that is absorbed by the pigment within the red blood cells of the wart. The blood vessels that feed the wart are effectively destroyed, thereby starving out the wart cells. This is a series of treatments - the patient is seen in the office on average of 4 to 7 times until the wart resolves. There is relatively little pain, no bandage, no wound - the laser makes no incision. The advantage is that the patient is allowed to continue normal activities during treatment.

If you have this frustrating condition, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.