Wart(s)

Plantar warts are small, rough growths that develop on the bottom of the foot due to the human papillomavirus (HPV) entering the skin. Although sometimes harmless, they can become painful, spread to other areas of the foot, and make activities like walking, exercising, or standing for long periods very uncomfortable. Many patients find that over-the-counter treatments don’t work because they only target the surface of the skin, not the root of the wart.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Plano, Texas, Sirisha Pokala, DPM, and Gireesh Reddy, DPM, provide advanced care for plantar warts, offering treatments that go far beyond what you can find in a drugstore. After a thorough exam and diagnosis, our podiatrists recommend the most effective option for your unique case. These may include:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal tissue.

• Prescription-strength topical medications: Stronger than anything available over-the-counter, designed to gradually break down the wart.

• Laser therapy: Targeted light energy used to destroy wart tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.

• Chemical treatments (such as salicylic or cantharidin applications): Applied in-office to peel away wart layers and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

• Minor surgical removal: A quick in-office procedure for warts that are especially stubborn, painful, or resistant to other treatments.

By combining these advanced methods with personalized care, our team can effectively eliminate warts, relieve discomfort, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Whether you have a single wart that hasn’t gone away or multiple that have spread, our Plano-based podiatry specialists provide safe, effective, and lasting solutions. Our goal is not only to remove the wart but also to restore healthy skin and keep you walking comfortably every day.

Q: What are plantar warts, and how do they develop?

A: Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks, often in warm, moist places like locker rooms, pools, or showers. They appear as rough, grainy growths on the bottom of the foot and may have small black dots in the center (clotted blood vessels).

Q: How does cryotherapy work for warts?

A: Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart tissue. This destroys abnormal skin cells and triggers the body’s immune response to fight off the virus. While patients may feel mild discomfort or a stinging sensation during treatment, cryotherapy is quick and effective, often requiring a series of treatments for best results.

Q: What are topical treatments, and are they stronger than over-the-counter options?

A: Yes. Podiatrists prescribe medical-grade topical treatments that are far more effective than store-bought creams or pads. These may include high-strength salicylic acid or other agents that gradually peel away the wart while stimulating healthy skin growth.

Q: How does laser therapy treat warts?

A: Laser treatment uses focused light energy to target the blood supply feeding the wart, cutting off nutrients so the wart can no longer survive. It’s precise, minimizes damage to surrounding skin, and is especially useful for warts that have not responded to other treatments.

Q: What is cantharidin treatment?

A: Cantharidin is a blistering agent that podiatrists can apply directly to a wart. It causes a blister to form under the wart, lifting it from the skin so it can be removed safely. This is a common, painless option, particularly for children.

Q: When is surgical removal necessary?

A: For warts that are particularly stubborn, painful, or resistant to other therapies, a minor in-office surgical procedure may be recommended. This involves removing the wart tissue under local anesthesia and is often reserved as a last option.

Q: Are plantar warts contagious?

A: Yes. The virus can spread through direct contact or shared surfaces. Treating warts early not only relieves pain but also helps prevent them from spreading to other areas of your feet—or to other people.

Q: How do I know which treatment is right for me?

A: At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists in Plano, Texas, our podiatrists perform a full exam to determine the size, depth, and number of warts before recommending the most effective treatment. Each plan is tailored to your specific needs to ensure safe and lasting results.