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How to Recognize the Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Warts are small growths on a skin's surface that are caused by the HPV virus. This virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another quite easily. Warts occur on children most commonly, but symptoms have also been reported in a large presence among young adults and women. 7 to 10 percent of the population is infected with the virus. There are many different kinds of warts labeled for the part of the body that the growth appears on. Plantar warts grow on the sole of the feet. It is important to be able to recognize when you may be developing plantar warts in order to properly treat them.

Things You'll Need

  • Time and place to examine your feet
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Instructions

  1. Recognize the Symptoms of Plantar Warts

    • 1

      Check your feet. Plantar warts typically form on the ball of the foot, the heel and the bottom of the toes. Because of the weight of the body, the skin on the foot can crack and peel, allowing an entry point for the HPV virus.

    • 2

      Think about the places you've been. Most warts on the foot are caused by walking barefoot in public places such as public swimming pools, gym bathrooms or locker rooms, or just by walking in a dirty area.

    • 3

      Recognize what type of wart you have. Plantar warts, if left untreated, can grow to an inch or more. They can spread and cause severe pain on the foot. This makes it very difficult to walk and continue with regular daily activities.

    • 4

      Evaluate yourself to see if you are feeling any unnecessary pressure or pain at the bottom of your foot. Pain is a symptom you should be able to easily recognize. The skin on your foot may still look smooth, but if there is a brownish/yellowish color and you are experiencing pain, you may have a plantar wart.

    • 5

      Recognize back and leg pain as a symptom of too much pressure being put on plantar warts at the soles of your feet. This pain can travel from its initial point (the foot) up through the leg and up the back. What can be mistaken as back or leg pain may actually be the HPV virus at work.

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