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The questions on this Website have been answered by Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists associated with OurHealthNetwork.com. The foot and ankle physicians and surgeons in this group have a combined 100 years of practice experience. The information and opinions expressed below should not be viewed as diagnoses and treatments, but rather as information to help you understand your foot or ankle related problem. All medical problems should be diagnosed and treated by a foot and ankle specialist in your state, or your family doctor.
Subject: Warts
"My daughter has a wart on her foot that is very painful. She is 9 years old. How can I treat it?"
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Dr. Kasdan's response: "Warts are a viral infection of the skin. Treating them can be very frustrating, as they frequently return in the same spot. Frequently, an over-the counter medication, such as Tripod Labs Plantarstat Wart Remover can be effective. In my opinion, if one does not see improvement within a few weeks, they should consult with their family doctor."
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Subject: Verruca plantaris
"I have recently moved to England, and my children have been told at school to watch out for Verukas on their feet, which apparently are bumps or warts from a virus that thrives in damp, cool conditions. Have you ever heard of Verukas, what do they look like, and how would they be treated?"
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Dr. Kasdan's response: "A wart, or verruca, is a skin lesion caused by a virus. They usually appear on the bottom of the feet, and are called verruca plantaris. They can occur on any skin or mucous membrane structure. In order to get into the skin, there must be a break in the skin, such as a blister, cut, or crack. If this area comes in contact with the virus, and you have a low immunity to the virus, you develop a wart. They usually appear as a well defined, skin-colored to white lesion, kind of rough in appearance, with small black dots within the lesion. They may not be painful when you press directly on them; but they are painful when you squeeze them side-to-side. They can be very difficult to treat. If a person does not have diabetes, poor circulation, or other skin problems, they can try the following: Ask the pharamacist for an over-the-counter wart medication, or order Tripod labs Wart Remover; take 2 capfulls of vinegar (the cap that covers the bottle of vinegar) and add to one quart LUKE WARM water, and soak the foot 5 minutes twice a week (vinegar can be hard on the skin, so if you notice the following, stop: redness, itching, burning, or new skin lesions); spray the shower and all areas walked on bare-footed with Lysol, to kill the virus; and do not walk barefoot, otherwise the virus can spread to others. If there are no signs of improvement in a month, or if the wart looks worse or more warts appear, I suggest that you see your family doctor as soon as possible. Please note: there are some atypical melanomas, or skin cancers, that may appear as a wart. If you are not sure what your lesion, see your family doctor immediately."
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Subject: Plantars Warts
"What should I do about the terrible pain on the bottom of my foot from plantars warts?"
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Dr. Kasdan's response: "Warts are a viral infection of the skin, and they can spread to other parts of the foot, or to other parts of the body. If the warts are painful, you should consult with your doctor immediately. Warts can be treated in several ways, depending upon their locations, sizes, and numbers. Some treatments used are: topical medication, laser, excision, or cryotherapy (application of cold) to treat warts. Treatment selection may depend on the patient's age and health."
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