One of the more common foot problems we at Podiatry Center of New Jersey see in our patients are warts. There’s much that our patients don’t know about warts, however. Below are some frequently asked questions about this foot condition.

Q: What causes warts?

A: Warts form when your skin has come in direct contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Q: Who gets warts?

A: The virus likes warm, moist places like locker rooms and swimming pool decks. People who walk barefoot in places that see a lot of foot traffic are highly likely to contract warts (or fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus). Warts most frequently develop in children, adolescents, and seniors.

Q: Do warts hurt?

A: Not always. If they form on the bottom of your foot in an area that undergoes repetitive pounding when you walk, then they may become painful. But often they are not.

Q: Why should I seek treatment for warts if they are not painful?

A: Warts are highly contagious and can spread from one part of your body to another or from one person to another. If you have diabetes, warts can pose a serious medical threat. It’s best to make an appointment at one of our offices so our podiatrists can examine your feet and definitively confirm if a wart is present.

Q: What treatments are available for warts?

A: You will see over-the-counter products available for treating warts, but it’s best to talk to the foot doctor before trying one. Many of them are too harsh and can cause harm to the skin. Folk remedies are also to be avoided as these are not only ineffective but may result in injury. The podiatrist has several different options for treating warts. These include laser treatments, immune therapy to stimulate your body to fight the virus, topical and oral treatments, and acid solutions.

Q: Can warts come back?

A: Yes, sometimes warts do recur and will have to be removed again.

At Podiatry Center of New Jersey our team of doctors treat various conditions such as sports injuries, diabetic foot problems, and pediatric foot conditions, toe deformities, arthritis, nail fungus, arch problems, and heel pain. Equipped with advanced technologies and dedicated staff, our 16 conveniently located offices provide individualized high-quality care for patients across Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, and Union Counties. For all your foot and ankle problems, contact our Wayne, NJ office at (973) 925-4111 for an appointment.