Plantar warts are growths on the skin of a viral nature, also called corns. It is clear from medical terminology that such formations are localized in the foot and toes. In terms of oncological risk, they are not dangerous, but they cause a lot of discomfort when walking due to their painful contractions.
Causes of plantar warts
All types of warts, including plantar warts, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). You can get this through close contact with infected people or through daily life. The virus dies quickly from sunlight, but feels good in high humidity. Therefore, most HPV infections occur in baths, saunas and swimming pools. Penetration of the virus reduces microtrauma and cracks in the skin, as well as immunity.
With the body's strong protective properties, the virus can remain indefinitely indefinitely after infection. However, if the immunity is reduced, it begins to actively multiply, causing warts of various localization on the skin. HPV subtypes 1, 2, 4, 27 and 57 are the most responsible for their occurrence.
There are several tendencies in the formation of such compounds:
- shoes that are too narrow or oversized;
- often wear high heels;
- various foot deformities (including straight legs);
- various diseases of the joints of the feet (arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc. ).
Warts on the feet are more common in people with extremely dry skin and hyperkeratosis.
Thus, the causes of plantar warts are the same in all cases (HPV infection), but the predisposing factors are different. The number and size of elements in the skin depend on them and the state of immunity.
What plantar warts look like
A sneeze on your foot is like a round skin growth. They can be of different sizes, but rarely more than two centimeters in diameter. It does not rise more than three millimeters above the level of the skin, but at the same time goes deep into the root. The color may not be different from the surrounding skin or may be darker or lighter. Often such compounds have a yellow or gray color. Visually, black dots or lines may appear when looking inside the elements (these are also clearly visible in the photo). Horny blood vessels resemble capillaries in which blood clots form due to compression by masses.
Initially, the plantar fascia has a smooth surface. But over time, it hardens, becomes rougher and thicker. These are stingy masses that give the warts a yellow color.
An important symptom of plantar warts is pain when compressed. Each step gives the patient severe pain.
These warts are very similar to plantar calluses. The resemblance to a cornice is especially evident due to the severe pain of both formations. The main difference is that the warts do not have a skin pattern on the surface, and remain in the calluses.
Diagnosis of plantar warts
A qualified dermatologist will diagnose this disease based on only one clinical picture. In some cases, an additional dermatoscopy is required. The absence of a skin sample on the form and the presence of capillaries containing blood clots confirm this diagnosis.
Treatment of plantar cysts
Plantar warts are more difficult to get rid of than similar compounds in other areas because they penetrate deeper into the dermis. In the case of small and newly formed elements, necrotic external preparations can be used. Large and deep warts are removed surgically. At the same time, old formations should first be softened with keratolytic substances.
External preparations for removing warts
In some cases, such compounds can be self-destructing. However, because plantar warts are so painful, patients do not want to wait and try to get rid of them as soon as possible.
For plantar warts with necrotic effect, any remedy is prescribed to remove small and superficial elements.
These products contain acids that clot skin proteins and cause necrosis. Refrigerant drugs have a similar effect. However, necrotic effects are not caused by chemical damage, but by tissue freezing.
All of these drugs are applied in a point-by-point manner. Care should be taken to ensure that the substance does not get into the surrounding tissues, as this will cause them to burn. After treatment, a wound will remain in place of the old crust, which will be covered with bark. After healing, it will fall on its own. You can do this treatment at home, but only as directed by a doctor.
In this way, it is possible to remove only a small plant wound that penetrates the skin shallowly. For large elements, you should choose other removal methods, as incomplete destruction of the spleen tissue will inevitably lead to its recurrence.
Surgical methods for removal of plantar warts
There are various ways to remove a plantar sphincter in surgery. Delicate methods are preferred:
- laser removal;
- radio wave knife;
- cryodestruction;
- electrotherapy.
All these procedures are performed in an outpatient setting. Patients can literally go home a few minutes later, just need to treat the wound regularly at home.
The most effective and safe way to remove plantar warts is to use a laser or radio wave knife. When they are performed, the blood clots immediately, which is a good prevention of bleeding and secondary infection. Complications that occur when using these methods to eliminate skin formation are very rare. The same cannot be said about cryodestruction and electrocoagulation, so these treatments have faded into the background and are rarely used.
If the sneezes are large or old (covered with a large number of stingy masses), it is recommended to treat them with keratolytic agents for two weeks before the removal procedure. For this purpose, salicylic ointment or acid and other drugs are prescribed. Thus, it is possible to erode part of the hernia scales, making the shape softer and more elastic. This will make removing the wart easier and faster.
In rare cases, when there are a large number of elements or when their nature is in doubt, your doctor may recommend surgical excision with a scalpel. With this wart removal method, the rehabilitation period and the risk of wounds are high, so it is used only under strict instructions.
Characteristics of plantar sputum in children
Plantar warts are very common in children over the age of five, as they often run barefoot, get injured, and do not always follow the rules of personal hygiene. Immunity is impaired due to regular contact with sick children (in kindergartens and schools), which increases the likelihood of warts.
Treatment of such occurrences in children begins with the best external agents. You can try to exfoliate the shallow elements using salicylic ointment, and then pumice. Immunomodulatory drugs have proven themselves well. If applied to a cow regularly, they can be removed after a few weeks.
If the elements are deep, apply necrotic substances or remove with a laser or radio wave knife.
Prevention of plantar warts
It is not possible to protect yourself from sneezing, but you can reduce the risk of sneezing. To do this, you need to move in two directions: to eliminate predisposing factors and to stimulate the body's defenses.
To achieve the first goal, you need:
- follow the rules of personal hygiene (do not walk barefoot in public places, wash your feet daily and treat cuts and injuries in a timely manner); Choose comfortable shoes with size
- ;
- timely prevention of foot deformities and treatment of joint diseases.
A healthy lifestyle, playing sports, exercising, vitamin complexes and immunostimulating medications as prescribed by a doctor will help maintain the body's defenses at a good level.
In case of extremely dry skin and hyperkeratosis, regular medical pedicures and peels are recommended. In case of excessive sweating of the legs, you should use special means for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. By following all these rules, the risk of sneezing under the feet will be minimal.
Plantar herpes is not a dangerous disease, but it causes a lot of discomfort due to pain when walking. Fortunately, modern medicine has many ways to get rid of it quickly and with the risk of new relapses. To do this, you should consult a dermatologist and strictly follow all his appointments and recommendations.