Warts are benign growths of the skin caused by a virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV). The virus gets into the skin through cuts or scratches, more than 70 different types of HPV have been identified and more than one type may be present in a lesion. The different types of HPV that may infect result in warts appearing in different forms.
Children are most commonly affected by warts and they often just go away when immunity develops. This may take from months to years however, and some warts are quite painful.
On the feet, warts may appear as flat multiple lesions or consist simply of a single large lesion. They are often referred to as plantar warts, which simply means that they occur on the bottom of the feet.
In fact they can develop anywhere, even under the nails and between the toes. People often confuse them with corns, as these also occur on the bottom of the feet.
Warts tend to be contagious in warm moist areas such as bathing facilities, like swimming pools and communal showers. To prevent infection, avoid walking barefoot in such areas and keep your feet meticulously clean, dry and free from cuts and abrasions.
The diagnosis is important in determining the best form of treatment. It is best to seek advice from your podiatrist or doctor. If you use home cures, please follow the directions as side effects such as ulceration may result.
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