Plantar Warts (Viral Warts)
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths that occur on the soles of the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts can appear as small, grainy lesions on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot, often causing discomfort or pain when walking or standing.
At SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors, with offices in Santa Monica and near Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers, we offer advanced and effective treatments for stubborn plantar warts, including laser therapy and minor surgical removal for chronic or painful cases.
What Causes Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are caused by direct contact with HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts, cracks, or weakened areas. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments like communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pool areas.
Risk factors include:
- Children and teens are more prone due to increased exposure
- Walking barefoot in public areas
- Weakened immune system
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Symptoms of Plantar Warts
???? Small, fleshy, rough growth on the sole of the foot
???? Black pinpoints (clotted blood vessels inside the wart)
???? Discomfort or pain while walking
???? Thickened skin (resembles a callus) over the wart
???? Warts may grow individually or in clusters (mosaic warts)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically based on:
- Visual inspection
- Gentle debridement to reveal blood vessels (black dots)
- Use of dermatoscopy for confirmation
- Rarely, biopsy is needed to rule out other lesions
Treatment Options for Plantar Warts
Most plantar warts eventually go away on their own, but some can persist for months or even years without treatment. We provide both conservative and advanced therapies depending on the severity and patient preference:
Conservative Therapies
- Prescription-strength topical acids (salicylic acid, cantharidin)
- Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
- Debridement and keratolytic pads
Advanced Treatment Options
- Immune-boosting topical or oral medications
- Laser Wart Removal – cauterizes wart tissue while preserving surrounding skin
- Needling Technique – stimulates immune response directly in the wart
- Minor Surgical Excision – for chronic, painful, or treatment-resistant lesions
What to Expect from Treatment
Some patients respond quickly to first-line therapy, while others may need multiple sessions with cryotherapy or laser treatments. Advanced therapies are often successful for stubborn or recurring warts. There is minimal downtime, and most patients can resume normal activity immediately after in-office treatment.
Why Choose SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors?
- Board-certified podiatrists with experience in dermatologic foot care
- Tailored treatment plans based on your health profile and wart history
- Comprehensive care for adults and children
- Multiple treatment options available for resistant or recurring warts
What Our Patients Say
SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors strive to be the best we can and are grateful for the opportunities we are given to help people heal and get back to doing the things that they love.
Our Docters
Our Board Certified Podiatrists
Socal Foot and Ankle doctors are committed to delivering the most exceptional treatments.
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Specialist
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Location: Santa Monica
Mon – Thur: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Specialist
Office Time
Location: Santa Monica
Mon – Thur: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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