Do’s and Don’ts for Dealing with Warts

At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, warts are a condition we treat frequently. Today, we’d like to help our patients better understand this common podiatric condition. Below are some do’s and don’ts regarding warts.

Do: Inspect your feet daily. It is a habit recommended for everyone to promote good podiatric health. Warts often develop on the bottom of your feet and may not be painful. Regularly examining your feet will make you more likely to find a wart when it is small.

Don’t: mistake tiny black spots on your foot for splinters. When these are in the center of a raised bump on your foot, they are an identifying sign of a plantar wart. Those tiny points are blood vessels that feed the wart.

Don’t: ignore a wart just because it doesn’t hurt. Warts can spread on your feet and to other body parts. It’s best to contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 for an appointment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will examine your foot to confirm a wart.

Do: ask the foot doctor to explain the various treatment options available for warts. Several include topical and oral medications, cryotherapy (freezing), laser therapy, acid treatments, and minor surgery. The podiatrist will choose the best method for your health and lifestyle.

Do: follow all the instructions regarding treating your wart or warts. Warts can be stubborn and may require more than one treatment. Keep your follow-up appointments to ensure warts are entirely eliminated.

Don’t: attempt to get rid of warts using folk remedies. These are ineffective and can be harmful. It’s also best to steer clear of over-the-counter treatments for warts. These often contain strong chemicals that can cause tissue damage to the skin surrounding the wart.

Do: be especially cautious if you have diabetes. Although warts are not a serious medical threat, they can become a major problem for patients with diabetes due to poor circulation and neuropathy.

Don’t: hesitate to contact us if you have questions about warts or other skin conditions that affect your feet.