Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and are quite contagious. The means of transmission include direct skin to skin contact, as well as coming into contact with a contaminated surface (such as a floor). The virus enters the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin. Human papilloma virus thrives in warm, moist environments, so walking barefoot in gym change rooms and around swimming pools increases the risk of transmission.

A Podiatrist will easily be able to identify a plantar wart, as well as differentiate between a plantar wart and other common skin lesions, such as corns. After diagnosis, the podiatrist will then be able to plan an appropriate plantar warts Cairns treatment pathway, in consultation with the patient. The common signs and symptoms that facilitate a positive identification can be a combination of any of the following:

• A flattened (from pressure) hard grainy appearance that can have a thick overlying callous.
• An irregular ‘cauliflower like’ pattern.
• Interruption to the normal striations of the skin (skin lines).
• Tiny black pinpoints through the lesion that are small clotted blood vessels (capillaries).
• Pain on medial and lateral compression (squeeze) as well as on direct pressure and weight bearing.

Anyone can develop a plantar wart. Those at increased risk are children and adolescents, people with a compromised immune system, and people who walk barefoot in areas where there is a lot of public barefoot traffic.

• Do not walk barefoot in public areas, particularly those that are warm, humid and wet such as swimming pools, change rooms, parks and gardens.
• Try and maintain good foot hygiene by making sure your feet are clean and dry at all times.
• Avoid picking at the skin on your feet as this can lead to breaks in the skin barrier.
• Avoid direct contact with warts. If you have touched a wart, make sure you wash your hands and feet thoroughly.

• The current gold standard for Cairns plantar warts treatment, based on scientific research, is SWIFT Therapy. SWIFT is medical microwave technology that is highly effective at resolving warts. It provides immediate pain relief from your plantar warts post treatment, and has an impressive 83% resolution rate. Unlike all other forms of wart treatment, SWIFT therapy results in your body having an immunity to the virus that caused your plantar warts to start with, which significantly reduces the risk of further warts developing. Most people with plantar warts can receive SWIFT Therapy, with a few exceptions. If you are an exception, there are other options available, as detailed below.
• Over-the-counter, non prescription, topical preparations from the pharmacy can sometimes be trialed, particularly on small and recent onset plantar warts. These are generally either a low strength salicylic acid (up to 10% is common), or a small liquid nitrogen applicator.
• Liquid nitrogen/cryotherapy (through a podiatry or GP clinic).
• For long-standing and stubborn warts that haven’t responded to over-the-counter plantar warts Cairns treatments, a Podiatrist may use a strong caustic preparation such as salicylic acid paste (up to 60%). Salicylic acid works in two ways, by chemically destroying wart tissue and by stimulating the body’s immune response. Three to six treatments, each spaced a week a part is the general pathway. Before the paste is applied, the wart is pared back and masked to protect surrounding healthy skin. It is then covered and sealed, with the patient instructed to keep this dressing dry and intact for up to three full days. Occasionally, the podiatrist may ask the patient to apply an over-the-counter weaker preparation of wart chemical, in between weekly treatments.
• In rare cases, where strong salicylic acid has not been effective, another plantar warts Cairns treatment option for patients at FNQ Podiatry and Orthotics, is multi-puncture. This procedure is done under local anesthetic and involves needling the wart, to break up wart tissue and debridement to remove the loosened material.

Plantar warts can be very fickle in nature, with regards to how they respond to treatment. Occasionally given enough time (up to a year or longer), they will resolve on their own accord without treatment. If the wart is large, painful or spreading, this is obviously not a satisfactory treatment option. When treated with high strength salicylic acid, a plantar wart will generally need anywhere from 3-6 treatments. These treatments are spaced a week apart. If treated via multi-puncture, a plantar wart is removed in its entirety during the procedure. A follow up review appointment is arranged to check healing and ensure complete resolution has been achieved.

Our clinics provide effective plantar warts Cairns treatment, for a range of patients. So, if you think you currently have a plantar wart, call our friendly team today and we will get you on the road to recovery. Phone (07) 4045 5749.