Plantar wart. Causes, treatment of pathology

12 January 2021

plantar wartsare benign growths of epithelial cells in the form of small growths caused by the human papillomavirus. These manifestations are localized directly on the supporting areas of the foot or toes.

Interesting Facts:

According to statistics, the manifestation of plantar warts is most often observed between the ages of 20 and 30.

In most cases (more than 50%) plantar warts can heal on their own without any treatment.

According to various sources, carriers of HPV (human papillomavirus) are 70 to 90% of the world population.

Plantar warts are commonly called "thorns". This interpretation is associated with thorns, which are painful to step on.

Most of all types of HPV affect the skin.

Causes of warts

A wart is a viral skin disease caused by the human papillomavirus.

There are about one hundred varieties of this virus. They can enter the human body and not show themselves for a long time, thanks to such protective properties of the body as:

immunity;

phagocytosis (is a non-specific defense reaction of the body, meaning when a pathological agent enters the body, phagocytes surround and destroy it).

The risk of contracting human papillomavirus depends on the following factors:

virus activity in a human vector;

nature of contact (direct or indirect contact);

the immunity status of an infected person.

70-90% of people are carriers of the human papillomavirus, however, the presence or absence of a wart depends on the state of immunity. People whose body resistance is reduced are more prone to the manifestation of warts. In addition, the risk of developing warts increases in cases where the body is affected by adverse factors (for example, stress, fatigue, insomnia, poor hygiene), which lead to a weakened immune system.

The papilloma virus can be contracted by contact with a person with warts, for example, through a handshake, shared objects (towel, slippers);

There are the following predisposing factors for human papillomavirus infection:

sweating of the legs (the skin loosens and the penetration of various infections through it is facilitated);

frequent washing, cleaning (frequent skin irritations with various detergents destroy the protective barrier of the skin and thus facilitate the penetration of the virus)

microtrauma of the skin or mucous membranes (cracks, scratches, abrasions are the gateway for infection to enter the body);

uncomfortable tight shoes that cause rubbing of the skin of the foot (calluses, abrasions are also an entrance gate for infection to enter the body);

diseases that lead to malnutrition of the foot epithelium (eg, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis);

virus infection can occur via pedicure tools (if tools have not been disinfected);

public baths, saunas or swimming pools (places where the feet come into direct contact with a potentially infected floor surface).

Human skin consists of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat. Human papillomavirus, penetrating into the skin tissue, affects the basal layer of the epidermis. Subsequently, by multiplying, the cells affected by the virus rise through all the layers of the epidermis and are localized on the superficial horny layer of the epithelium, manifesting externally with rough and keratinized skin.

Human papillomavirus

HPV is an infection of the papovavirus family that affects the mucous membranes of organs (usually the genitals) as well as the epithelial cells of the skin. Papillomavirus contains DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which, when introduced into a cell in the human body, causes it to produce new viral particles.

All types of HPV can be roughly divided into two groups:

papillomavirus with oncogenic properties;

papillomaviruses which do not have oncogenic properties.

Note:oncogenic properties contribute to the formation of malignant tumors.

Today there are more than one hundred types of human papillomavirus. Plantar warts, as a rule, are caused by the first type of HPV, in some cases their formation can provoke the second and fourth types (non-oncogenic papillomaviruses).

HPV is commonly found in every person who has sex. Every eight out of ten people are infected with this virus. Of all types of HPV, the most dangerous are 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is these types of HPV that can cause papillomas, warts and cancer.

Symptoms and appearance of warts on the feet

Human papillomavirus, penetrating the tissues, can be in a passive or active state.

The passive state is characterized by the fact that the virus, being in the basal layer of the epidermis, multiplies slowly, not reaching the horny layer of the epithelium, therefore, this state does not manifest itself externally.

An active state is characterized by the fact that the virus is actively developing and, rising to the upper layers of the epidermis, manifests itself with numerous symptoms.

Features Fade in Photos

Glossy surface Initially, the plantar wart appears as a shiny plaque, then its surface is keratinized, becoming rough and rough.

Dimensions Plantar warts vary in size from one to two centimeters and rise above the surface of the epithelium by one to three millimeters. Most often, warts are oval or round. There is also the concept of maternal and daughter wart. The maternal wart appears first and is the largest; as a rule, smaller daughter warts can form around it. Over time, maternal and daughter warts can join together to form large lesions.

Pain The plantar wart is on the foot, where most of the weight is. The wart is compressed between the sole and the bones, which causes the surrounding tissue to harden. These warts, in most cases, are very painful due to the fact that the wart can compress the nerves in the foot, causing pain when walking.

Color Most warts are light brown or yellow-white in color.

Black dots If the stratum corneum is removed from the surface of the wart, dark spots may appear on the bed of the affected area, which are formed due to the fact that the bleeding capillaries in this area are thrombosed. This feature is a distinctive feature of the plantar wart from corns and callosities.

Removal of sole warts

There are currently many effective and safe treatments for plantar warts. However, it should be noted that in some cases, the reliable removal of the wart is complicated by the fact that the human papillomavirus penetrates into the deeper layers of the epidermis (in the basal layer).

Treatment of a wart is necessary if:

the wart hurts;

the wart bleeds;

large wart;

the color of the wart is not uniform (for example, some spots appeared);

there is a rapid growth rate of the wart.

There are the following methods to remove plantar warts:

cryodestruction;

laser coagulation;

electrocoagulation;

radio wave surgery;

surgical excision.

Cryodestruction

This method involves exposing the wart with liquid nitrogen with a temperature of minus 196 degrees. Cryodestruction is characterized by the fact that when the wart is frozen, the area of the skin affected by the viruses is destroyed, followed by the stimulation of the body's immune forces. However, it should be noted that if the wart appears and exists for up to six months, the effectiveness of its removal is 84%. While the effectiveness of removing warts that have existed for more than six months is reduced to 39%.

The cryodestruction procedure can be performed:

usually (liquid nitrogen is applied until a light halo with a diameter of two millimeters appears around the wart);

aggressively (after the appearance of a slight halo around the wart, liquid nitrogen continues to be applied for another five to twenty seconds).

Research has shown that the aggressive wart freezing method is more effective than the conventional method, but the downside is that it is more painful.

After removal of the wart at the site of exposure, there is hyperemia (redness) of the skin, followed by the formation of edema. A few hours later, a blister forms on the affected area (may contain hemorrhagic or serous fluid) and about six to seven days after the blister dries, a scab forms in its place and disappears on its own within two weeks.

After removing the wart, follow these guidelines:

a blister formed at the site of the wart must not be opened;

the affected area should not be covered with adhesive tape;

it is recommended to bandage the exposure site with a sterile bandage loosely to prevent mechanical damage and contamination of the affected area;

it is recommended to treat the affected area with 2% salicylic alcohol twice a day;

tries to avoid water entering the exposure site.

Advantages of the method Disadvantages of the method

the tissue heals without scarring if the exposure to liquid nitrogen occurs superficially, there is a high probability of recurrence (reformation) warts

the procedure is performed without the use of local anesthesia local hypo or hyperpigmentation may occur after the procedure

removing a wart with this method takes one to two minutes if deeper cauterization occurs, there is a risk of scarring

Laser coagulation

The removal of warts with a laser beam is one of the most common treatment methods today. This method is characterized by layer-by-layer cauterization of the affected area, which allows you to control the depth of exposure. In addition, when removing a wart, the laser beam simultaneously welds the vessels, thereby preventing the development of bleeding at the site of exposure.

The following laser coagulation methods are available:

Carbon dioxide (CO2) - laser.The wart is exposed to infrared light (the wavelength is 10 600 nm). The disadvantage of this method of treatment is that the cauterization of tissues is not selective, that is, there is a possibility of damaging healthy tissues. The efficiency of plantar warts removal using a carbon dioxide laser is 70%.

Erbium laser.This method is characterized by a shorter wavelength of 2940nm, which significantly reduces the likelihood of scarring after tissue epithelialization. The effectiveness of this method of treatment is 75%.

Pulsed dye laser.This method is characterized by selective energy absorption (wavelength is 586 nm) oxygenated hemoglobin, in which the destruction of dilated capillaries in the wart occurs, as well as stimulation of the immune system, which promotes effective healing. The effectiveness of this treatment method is about 95%.

After laser treatment, a scab forms on the affected area, which disappears on its own within seven to ten days. It is not recommended to tear off the scab and lubricate with something (ointments, creams, alcoholic solutions). Also, in the first few days after the procedure, water should be avoided at the exposure site.

Advantages of the method Disadvantages of the method

the tissue heals without scarring the disadvantages of this method include only the high cost of the procedure

fast tissue healing

low risk of relapse (relapse)

hardly affects healthy tissues

Electrocoagulation

A plantar wart is exposed to a high frequency current. Cauterization of the affected area should be done under local anesthesia. Thanks to a coagulation cycle applied to the affected area of the skin, an electric current is applied to the wart, which leads to its death. In addition, the action of high temperatures leads to the sealing of the vessels, which prevents the development of bleeding.

After the procedure, a dense crust forms at the site of exposure, which disappears on its own within ten days.

After removing the wart, follow these guidelines:

during the healing period, try to avoid getting water or soap on the affected skin area;

the formed crust must not be touched or torn;

For the first seven to ten days, it is recommended to treat the exposure site with an antiseptic once or twice a day.

Advantages of the method Disadvantages of the method

available cost of the procedure for small and superficial warts

prevents bleeding when applied to the deep layers of the skin after tissue healing, a scar may remain

the procedure takes from a few seconds to a minute superficial wart removal can cause recurrence

Radio wave surgery

This treatment method consists of using a special electrode that emits high frequency radio waves (3, 8 - 4, 0 MHz). Exposure to high temperatures on the plantar wart causes the cells affected by the papilloma virus to evaporate. Also, due to the cauterization of blood vessels, the use of this method prevents the development of bleeding. After exposure, a crust forms on the affected area of the skin, which disappears on its own within seven to ten days.

Contraindicated during the healing period:

in the first two days after the procedure, do not wet the moxibustion site;

peels off the scab within seven to ten days.

Advantages of the method Disadvantages of the method

when exposed to the affected area, the healthy tissue is practically not affected high cost of the procedure

the risk of scarring after tissue healing is minimal

low risk of remission after treatment (two to five percent)

Surgical excision

This method is characterized by the removal of the wart with a scalpel under local anesthesia. After excision of the affected area, stitches are applied, which are removed after seven to ten days.

Advantages of the method Disadvantages of the method

is used to remove large warts scars may remain on the affected area after stitch removal

there is a risk of remission (disappearance of symptoms) warts

General principles of care for the affected skin area after wart removal:

if a scab forms, it must not be touched or torn;

limit the entry of water into the affected area;

after removing the wart, it is impossible to expose the site of exposure to direct sunlight;

no cosmetic products (such as creams or lotions) should be applied to the affected skin area;

it is not recommended to visit saunas, baths or public swimming pools for one or two months after the removal of the wart;

After removing the wart, it is recommended to use vitamins A, C and E, as they promote rapid tissue regeneration (healing) and also stimulate the body's defenses.

Note:If you have any complications after the removal of the wart (inflammation of the affected area, prolonged healing, scarring), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

For all methods of treatment, contraindications to the procedure are:

diabetes mellitus;

presence of malignant tumors;

pregnancy;

infectious and inflammatory diseases near the wart;

exacerbation of herpes;

increase in body temperature;

hypertension (greater than 140 per 100 millimeters of mercury).

Treatment of warts without surgery

For single and superficial plantar warts, it is recommended to use traditional treatment methods.

Name of the tool used Kitchen Apply

Acetic acid You need to purchase 70% acetic acid, petroleum jelly and prepare a pipette to apply the correct dosage. Before using acetic acid, apply petroleum jelly to the healthy skin around the wart.
Then, using a pipette, apply a drop of acetic acid to the wart. Use this method once a day until the wart disappears.

Garlic infusion It is necessary to chop three cloves of garlic, then pour the resulting mass of boiling water (50 ml). After an hour, the resulting infusion must be filtered and used. Lubricate the wart area with the resulting infusion once a day until the formation disappears completely.

Saline solution Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in hot water (100 ml) and add a tablespoon of vinegar (9%). The resulting solution must be thoroughly mixed, then the pulp of a plum must be dipped in it and infused for two hours. After the time has elapsed, it is necessary to remove the plum from the solution and grind it into gruel.
The resulting plum gruel must be applied to the wart.
For a secure fit, wrap your foot and put a sock over it.
This compress should be left on for two to three hours. The procedure must be repeated every day until the wart disappears completely.

Wormwood infusion Add three tablespoons of dry absinthe to a glass of hot water (250 ml), cover and leave to infuse for two hours.
The resulting solution should be applied to the affected areas of the foot three or four times a day until the warts come off.

Infusion of lemon peel You have to remove the peel of two lemons and put it in a 1 liter jar, crushed. Then add 100 ml of 9% vinegar to the container and close the jar with a tight lid. The contents should be infused for a week, periodically shaking the jar. At the end of the period, the infusion must be filtered. The resulting infusion should be moistened with the warts twice a day until they disappear completely.

Decoction of St. John's wort For a glass of water (250 ml) add a tablespoon of chopped St. John's wort and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat. After cooking, the broth should be cooled and then filtered. With the resulting broth, you need to lubricate the warts three or four times a day until they disappear completely.

Note:In case of side effects, consult your doctor immediately.

Currently, celandine is also used effectively in the treatment of plantar warts. This plant has a yellow-orange medicinal juice.

Celandine has the following medicinal properties:

bactericidal (causes the death of hidden microorganisms);

anti-inflammatory;

antispasmodic;

choleretic;

antiviral;

wound healing;

cauterization;

antipruritus;

celandine also contains vitamins A and C.

When treating plantar warts, fresh celandine juice is used, which should be rubbed into the affected skin two or three times a day until the warts completely disappear. Before applying celandine, it is recommended that you steam your feet well in hot water and remove the keratinized part of the wart with a pumice stone.

In the treatment of plantar warts, celandine has the following therapeutic effects:

helps reduce pain while walking;

accelerates the drying of the wart and the formation of a scab;

, due to the content of vitamins A and C, stimulates local immune responses.

Celandine also contains various acids (ascorbic, succinic, malic, citric), to which HPV is sensitive.

To improve the effectiveness of the treatment of plantar warts, the following recommendations should be observed:

carries out daily foot hygiene procedures;

vitamins should be used regularly to strengthen the immune system (for example, vitamins A, E, C);

uses individual footwear (for example, house slippers);

with dry skin of the feet, it is necessary to regularly use moisturizing and nourishing creams for the feet;

in public places (bathroom, sauna or swimming pool) you should use personal slippers and avoid bare feet;

choose the right footwear carefully (for example, the right size, natural materials);

in case of excessive sweating of the feet, it is necessary to use drying agents, in addition to trying to select the shoes according to the time.

Features	Fade in	Photos
*Glossy surface*	Initially, the plantar wart appears as a shiny plaque, then its surface is keratinized, becoming rough and rough.
*Dimensions*	Plantar warts vary in size from one to two centimeters and rise above the surface of the epithelium by one to three millimeters. Most often, warts are oval or round. There is also the concept of maternal and daughter wart. The maternal wart appears first and is the largest; as a rule, smaller daughter warts can form around it. Over time, maternal and daughter warts can join together to form large lesions.
*Pain*	The plantar wart is on the foot, where most of the weight is. The wart is compressed between the sole and the bones, which causes the surrounding tissue to harden. These warts, in most cases, are very painful due to the fact that the wart can compress the nerves in the foot, causing pain when walking.
*Color*	Most warts are light brown or yellow-white in color.
*Black dots*	If the stratum corneum is removed from the surface of the wart, dark spots may appear on the bed of the affected area, which are formed due to the fact that the bleeding capillaries in this area are thrombosed. This feature is a distinctive feature of the plantar wart from corns and callosities.

Advantages of the method	Disadvantages of the method
the tissue heals without scarring	if the exposure to liquid nitrogen occurs superficially, there is a high probability of recurrence (reformation) warts
the procedure is performed without the use of local anesthesia	local hypo or hyperpigmentation may occur after the procedure
removing a wart with this method takes one to two minutes	if deeper cauterization occurs, there is a risk of scarring

Advantages of the method	Disadvantages of the method
available cost of the procedure	for small and superficial warts
prevents bleeding	when applied to the deep layers of the skin after tissue healing, a scar may remain
the procedure takes from a few seconds to a minute	superficial wart removal can cause recurrence

Advantages of the method	Disadvantages of the method
when exposed to the affected area, the healthy tissue is practically not affected	high cost of the procedure
the risk of scarring after tissue healing is minimal
low risk of remission after treatment (two to five percent)

Advantages of the method	Disadvantages of the method
is used to remove large warts	scars may remain on the affected area after stitch removal
	there is a risk of remission (disappearance of symptoms) warts

Name of the tool used	Kitchen	Apply
*Acetic acid*	You need to purchase 70% acetic acid, petroleum jelly and prepare a pipette to apply the correct dosage.	Before using acetic acid, apply petroleum jelly to the healthy skin around the wart. Then, using a pipette, apply a drop of acetic acid to the wart. Use this method once a day until the wart disappears.
*Garlic infusion*	It is necessary to chop three cloves of garlic, then pour the resulting mass of boiling water (50 ml). After an hour, the resulting infusion must be filtered and used.	Lubricate the wart area with the resulting infusion once a day until the formation disappears completely.
*Saline solution*	Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in hot water (100 ml) and add a tablespoon of vinegar (9%). The resulting solution must be thoroughly mixed, then the pulp of a plum must be dipped in it and infused for two hours. After the time has elapsed, it is necessary to remove the plum from the solution and grind it into gruel.	The resulting plum gruel must be applied to the wart. For a secure fit, wrap your foot and put a sock over it. This compress should be left on for two to three hours. The procedure must be repeated every day until the wart disappears completely.
*Wormwood infusion*	Add three tablespoons of dry absinthe to a glass of hot water (250 ml), cover and leave to infuse for two hours.	The resulting solution should be applied to the affected areas of the foot three or four times a day until the warts come off.
*Infusion of lemon peel*	You have to remove the peel of two lemons and put it in a 1 liter jar, crushed. Then add 100 ml of 9% vinegar to the container and close the jar with a tight lid. The contents should be infused for a week, periodically shaking the jar. At the end of the period, the infusion must be filtered.	The resulting infusion should be moistened with the warts twice a day until they disappear completely.
*Decoction of St. John's wort*	For a glass of water (250 ml) add a tablespoon of chopped St. John's wort and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat. After cooking, the broth should be cooled and then filtered.	With the resulting broth, you need to lubricate the warts three or four times a day until they disappear completely.
Note:In case of side effects, consult your doctor immediately.