Plantar Warts
If you’re experiencing pain or noticing unusual growths on the bottom of your foot, Plantar Warts may be the cause. At Pomona Valley Podiatry, Dr. Brian O’Neill carefully examines the affected area to identify the lesion and determine the most effective treatment approach. His goal is to remove the wart, relieve discomfort, and prevent it from spreading or returning.
What are Plantar Warts?
Plantar Warts affect the soles of the feet and develop when the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) enters the skin through small cuts or weakened areas, often in warm, moist environments like locker rooms or pool decks. Clinically, Plantar Warts are hyperkeratotic lesions that grow inward due to pressure from walking and standing, which can make them painful and difficult to treat. Patients may notice small, rough growths, thickened skin that resembles a callus, tiny black dots within the lesion, tenderness with pressure, disruption of normal skin lines, or clusters of warts known as mosaic warts.
Common symptoms of Plantar Warts
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- Small, rough growths on the bottom of the foot
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- Thickened skin over the wart (can look like a callus)
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- Tiny black dots inside the wart
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- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
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- A lesion that interrupts the normal lines of the skin
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- Clusters of warts (called mosaic warts)
How We Treat Plantar Warts
Plantar Warts are diagnosed through a visual examination of the lesion, often identifying characteristic features such as rough texture and pinpoint black dots, and may involve gentle debridement (painlessly removing tissue) or evaluation with a dermatoscope to distinguish them from other skin conditions. Early-stage warts can often be treated with topical medications like salicylic acid along with routine in-office care to gradually remove the lesion. More persistent cases may require cryotherapy or prescription-strength treatments to target the virus, while severe or resistant warts can be managed with advanced options such as laser therapy, minor surgical removal, or combination treatments to reduce recurrence.
Why choose
Pomona Valley Podiatry?
At Pomona Valley Podiatry, treatment for Plantar Warts focuses on both eliminating the infection and minimizing the chance of it returning. Dr. Brian O’Neill develops personalized treatment plans based on the size, location, and persistence of the wart. Whether using conservative care or advanced procedures, his approach is designed to restore comfort, improve skin health, and help you stay active without pain.