Why You Shouldn't Try to Remove Your Own Wart

Skin issues caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), such as warts, can be unappealing. However, they aren't usually medically dangerous. Anyone can get warts, and on the wrong body part, they can cause complications.

Plantar warts form on the soles of your feet and can be painful and affect your ability to walk. Many home treatments are available to try to manage this irritating foot problem, but attempting to deal with it yourself can do more harm than good. Here’s what you need to know about warts and how we can treat them professionally.

Dr. Andrew Harrison and our medical team assist the residents of the Lower Pacific Heights area of San Francisco and San Jose, California, with a range of foot issues, including the safe management of plantar warts.

What are plantar warts?

These warts form on the bottom of your feet due to a skin infection. They are a common foot problem, affecting an estimated 10% of people. These growths develop deep in your skin and have a rough surface with possible discoloration (yellow, brown, purple, gray, or dark pink).

Sometimes, these warts also appear with black specks called wart seeds, which are actually dried blood clots. 

You can experience pain, tenderness, bleeding, and discomfort on your heels, forefeet, and toes. Sometimes they form into large clusters called mosaic warts. 

What causes them?

HPV causes plantar warts, which enter your skin through cuts, weak spots, and breaks on your feet. 

While anyone can get them, plantar warts happen more in children, teens, individuals with a history of the condition, and those who frequently walk barefoot in areas where the virus is likely to be active, such as swimming pools and locker rooms.

Without treatment, warts can last for years and lead to pain and issues significant enough to affect how you walk. Over time, doing anything on your feet becomes uncomfortable.

What happens if I try to remove them myself?

Sometimes, these warts can resolve on their own. Some over-the-counter solutions, such as salicylic acid, can help with mild cases. 

However, these growths develop deep within the skin, so at-home remedies or trying to remove them on your own only treat the visible part. Cutting them off also increases the risk of infection and scarring. 

It’s better to opt for professional help. We offer various solutions, including topical creams, cryotherapy, and laser wart removal.

Plantar warts can make your feet miserable, but you don’t have to live with them. Instead, make an appointment with Dr. Harrison and our team today and finally eliminate the pain and discomfort.