Plantar warts

Question 1

What are plantar warts and how do they typically present?

Answer 1

Plantar warts are common and usually do not cause any complaints.
When asymptomatic, they are best left alone

Question 2

When should treatment for plantar warts be considered?

Answer 2

Treatment is usually sought when plantar warts cause pain or discomfort.
Non-aggressive therapy is recommended in such cases.

Question 3

What is the first step in managing symptomatic plantar warts?

Answer 3

Regular flattening of the wart with a pumice stone, callus file, or knife is usually enough to keep the warts asymptomatic.

Question 4

What treatment options are recommended for a few plantar wart lesions?

Answer 4

Curettage can be successful if there is only one or a few lesions

Question 5

Describe the use of keratolytic therapy for plantar warts.

Answer 5

Use salicylic acid 50% ointment (25% in children) or salicylic acid 5-20% and lactic acid 5-20% in collodion daily.
Apply the keratolytic in the evening, cover with plaster, and leave until the next evening.
Then, cut or scrape the warts with a stone or knife. Soak the foot in hot water for 5 minutes before re-applying the treatment.

Question 6

What treatments should be avoided for plantar warts and why?

Answer 6

Avoid destructive electrosurgery and sharp scalpel excision.
These methods may remove the wart, but they can result in scars that make walking difficult and may be harder to treat than the wart itself.