PLANTAR WART, PLANTAR KERATOSIS, VERUCCAS, CORNS etc

All the above refer to the same thing.  Hard warts are the most common viral infection of the skin. Plantar warts grow on the plantar surface, or the sole, of the foot. They can be found anywhere in this area but tend to produce symptoms in areas of pressure and friction. The virus that causes warts, the human papilloma virus (HPV), infects only the superficial layer of skin, producing a thickened callus-like growth that, if located in an areas subjected to pressure, can become quite tender.

Although warts characteristically resolve spontaneously, it may become necessary to treat warts that negatively affect an individual's ability to walk. The incubation period (the period of time between infection and the production of the visible skin lesion) is unknown but has been estimated to vary from months to years. Historical evidence is of little benefit in attempting to determine how one's wart was acquired. There are at least 120 different types of human papillomavirus, and only certain types are responsible for skin warts. Certain virus types tend to infect specific anatomical areas, like the plantar surface of the foot. Warts are ubiquitous infections, with least one-half of adults infected during their lifetime. The current prevalence of plantar warts in adults is unknown, but it is a fraction of the estimated 7%-10% of adults with all types of wart infections.

Treatment  involved removing the wart and accertaining whether there is a mechanical factor causing abnormal pressure to that particular area.  The wart may be removed chemically with Salicylic acid preparations.  Be sure to follow package directions because over-application of these products can burn the skin. Periodically sand and retreat the wart. It can take several months to get rid of a large one using these treatments. Warts can spread, so monitor your feet closely and treat warts when they are small

Laser treatment: New technology has enabled doctors to use lasers to destroy the wart. The procedure, performed in the physician's office, is expensive and is likely to result in some scarring. Its efficacy in comparison to other destructive approaches in unproven.

Cryotherapy: Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen is frequently successful. This causes the wart to turn black and eventually fall off within a few days. If used properly, there should be no scarring.

Curettage and Desiccation: After injecting a local anesthetic, the physician uses an electrical or ultrasonic device to destroy the wart, the remainder of which is removed with a curette. This technique is likely to cause a scar.

Note: The excision of warts is not recommended since the surgery may leave a painful scar and it is common for warts to return in the scar tissue

Here in the Kuala Lumpur Foot Ankle Clinic, we prefer Cryotherapy at it can be done within the clinic setting and causes the least amount of complications.  Please click onto this link to see how cryotherapy is applied:  Cryotherapy and its applications.

If you have any questions, please consult your Consultant Foot and Ankle Surgeon.

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Dr Khairul Faizi Mohammad

Consultant Orthopaedic, Foot and Ankle Surgeon

Kuala Lumpur Foot Ankle Clinic

Pantai Hospitals (Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Ampang)

Kuala Lumpur Foot Ankle Clinic (Cheras): Monday - Saturday 0900 - 1300
Kuala Lumpur Foot Ankle Clinic (KL): Monday and Thursday 1400 - 1630
Kuala Lumpur Foot Ankle Clinic (Ampang): Wednesday 1400 - 1630

Telephone:

Cheras: +603-91322022 ext 3333 (Vijay)
Kuala Lumpur: +603-22960888 (Block B clinics - Aida)
Ampang: +603-42892828 (Mawar)