Plantar warts are just one of the four major types of warts that the human skin can acquire. Also referred to as foot warts, it is caused by HPV or the human papillomavirus. HPV can penetrate the skin through cracks or tiny wounds, and since they like to dwell in damp areas, people who love to walk barefooted in public toilets are often at a high risks for developing them.
Unlike the other forms of warts, plantar warts are very painful, especially since they are often located in the soles of the foot that is always subjected to pressure. One of the characteristics of plantar warts is the “seed” or the black dot that is located in its center. While foot warts may feel like they’re located deep inside the skin tissues, the virus actually just grow and develop in the epidermis.
One of the most effective treatments for plantar warts is salicylic acid. You can buy it as an over-the-counter medication, either in bottled or pure form, or in the form of adhesive pads. Most doctors do not advise the use of salicylic acid as a treatment for any kind of warts since it has the potential to damage the skin, but since it is affordable and convenient to use, most people still prefer it over other plantar warts removal options.
Using salicylic acid to treat plantar warts may require much time than you think. When it is applied in affected areas, salicylic acid works by slowly breaking down the thickened surface of the skin. Over time, the skin that is affected by the warts will begin to slough off, exposing the area where the virus is developing. In order for salicylic acid to really be effective, it should contain at 40% formulation
Salicylic acid is a strong ingredient, and when not used with proper care, can cause serious damage to sensitive skin. It is essential that you know the proper way to use it if you want to avoid unwanted incidents. Therefore, always read the instruction carefully before you use it. In case you have an open wound or other skin problems near the affected area, avoid using salicylic acid altogether.
To use salicylic acid for treating plantar warts, soak your foot first in warm water for five to ten minutes. This will soften the skin in the affected area so that it would be easier to treat later on. Next, place a few drops of salicylic acid into a cotton ball and gently apply it on affected area. Make sure you do not let anything get into the surrounding skin as salicylic acid can dry healthy skin tissue and irritate it. Furthermore, it’s quite normal to feel some irritation on affected areas. This only signifies that the solution is working. Perform this treatment on a daily basis. Typically, it would take six to eight weeks before the plantar warts will disappear after treating it with salicylic acid.
Aside from salicylic acid, there are other methods available for the removal of plantar warts. One is the use of duct tape. In this method, duct tape is placed in the affected area to irritate surrounding skin and stimulate the immune system to attack it, and in the process, eliminate the virus that is causing the wart.
Other treatments also include laser surgery, where a beam of light is directed into the wart to eliminate it. Cryosurgery is also used to remove warts. It involves the use of nitrogen to freeze cell tissues in the affected area. The only problem with these options is that they are expensive and can cause a lot of downtime for the patient.
There is no single cure for plantar warts, and sometimes, they simple go away by themselves after a few months or years. However, they can cause major discomfort and pain, that’s why getting rid of them as soon as possible is the best thing to do. If you are looking for a removal option for plantar warts that is convenient and easy on the pocket, try using salicylic acid.
