Treating Plantar Warts
What are plantar warts
Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, are small unsightly growths caused by the human papilloma viruses, or HPV, that are normally located on the plantar, soles, area of the feet. These unwanted growths are commonly found on the soles of the feet especially areas that receive the pressure during standing or walking.
Plantar warts are often mistaken for corns but they are distinctly different in that they are hard, fleshy growths that grow inwards due to the pressure on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts are extremely contagious and can spread into clusters called mosaic warts.
Causes of plantar warts
Plantar warts occur as a result of a cut or fissure in the skin which is the point of entry. This can occur as a result of skin to skin contact or for example as a result of sharing towels with someone who has warts.
Symptoms
Plantar warts are easy to identify in that they usually have a hard, thickened skin over a well defined spot which causes pain or discomfort when walking or standing.
Preventing plantar warts
To prevent plantar warts, you should avoid contact with other people who have warts as well as your own. Do not touch warts with your bare hands otherwise your run the risk of catching warts on your fingers, keep your feet clean and dry, wear socks or sandals when walking around especially in swimming areas and gym showers.
Natural treatment for plantar warts
Although sometimes plantar warts can disappear on their own, this can take a long time and so most people will seek a treatment or a remedy to remove them and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Lysine is an amino acid that if often recommended in the treatment for all types of warts whether on the finger or foot as is the case usually for plantar warts. Often recommended for treating and preventing cold sores, lysine works to block the “food” source for the virus to replicate.
Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for the treatment and removal of warts at home. The idea is that the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar destroys the wart much like the conventional remedy salicylic acid. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and leave onto the site of the foot covering with a waterproof plaster. Repeat every day until the wart falls off.
Supporting the immune system is often recommended with herbal supplements such as Echinacea and Astragalus.
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