Written by Kelvin Tay Kai Ming, Senior Group Partner & Principal Podiatrist at Physio & Sole Clinic
Plantar warts, also known as verruca pedis, are small bumps that appear on the soles of the feet. They can grow up to an inch or more, forming clusters and spreading to other parts of the body. They are often pale in colour with grey or brown spots. They can also develop an uneven surface and a cauliflower-like texture over time.
Depending on its location, warts can cause great pain especially when weight or pressure is involved. This usually happens with warts growing at the ball of the foot or at the heel.
Causes
Warts develop when a contagious virus, Human Papillomavirus, (HPV), invades the skin via cuts or abrasions, growing into small bumps that appear anywhere on the skin. It is often picked up in common shower areas such as at swimming pools or gyms.
How can a Podiatrist help?
Podiatry treatment is one of the safest and least painful methods of removing warts.
- There are different treatments for warts but here at Physio & Sole Clinic, our Podiatrists will:
- Thoroughly remove and debride the hard skin layers and wart tissue,
- Apply cryotherapy to freeze the wart
- Apply high concentration salicylic acid to destroy wart tissue and prevent recurrence.
- These treatment modalities are targeted to destroy the viral skin cells (warts) without damaging the surrounding healthy skin
- The application of cryotherapy will be painful, but it is usually bearable. It will feel sore for the first 2 days after treatment, but it will be significantly less painful after. You will still be able to walk and it should not affect your daily activities.
- As warts are notoriously stubborn to treat and have high recurrence rates, an average of 4-8 sessions of repeated treatment may be required for complete resolution.
How can you prevent it?
- Wear footwear in communal areas such as public showers, gyms, and poolside.
- Attend to any wounds on your foot promptly.
- Seek immediate intervention for skin lesions.
- Keep your skin hydrated and supple.
Frequently asked questions about Plantar Wart
Yes, plantar warts can sometimes resolve on their own as the body's immune system fights off the virus. However, this process can take months or even years, and treatment may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and speed up resolution.
Yes, plantar warts are contagious. The virus that causes them can spread from person to person through direct contact or indirectly through surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as floors in communal areas.
See a podiatrist if you have persistent plantar warts that are causing significant pain, and if you notice changes in their appearance, or if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, as these conditions can complicate foot health.
Podiatry Charges
| Podiatry Consultation | $100 – $160 |
| Follow-Up Podiatry Consultations | $80 |
| Plantar Wart Treatment | $120 – $160 |
| Additional Plantar Wart (Per Wart) | $20 – $25 |
If you’re suffering from bunions, Physio & Sole Clinic offers Plantar Wart management at convenient locations across Singapore. Book an appointment today.
