Usually misdiagnosed as corns, plantar warts are warts that occur on the bottom surface of the foot or (what is medically called) the plantar surface. Corns and plantar warts may look similar, but they are not the same. Warts are caused by a virus whereas corns result from abnormal pressure coming from the use or wrong footwear and improper foot posture.

Plantar warts are different from usual warts, as the former are characterised by callous and dry skin that forms on top. This makes treatment for plantar warts difficult when using over-the-counter wart medication. Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection and are contagious. It may easily spread to family members and may be contracted in swimming pools, showers, and public places. Warts are painful and are highly-known to multiply.

At Penrith Physiotherapy & Allied Health Centre, we have many enduring years of concerted experience in treating plantar warts and any kind of foot warts. We have successfully eradicated warts by carefully removing the overlying dead skin and by cleaning the skin underneath with 70% nitric acid solution. There may be a slight burning sensation after the treatment but it is temporary and less painful compared to other wart treatments available. Treatment is usually done 2 to 3 times for 1 to 2 weeks apart. If there are multiple warts, treatment may take longer.

While undergoing treatment, it is best to keep the affected part covered with dressing or sports tape. This is to minimise the proliferation and spread of warts on the other parts of your foot and to other people who come in close contact with you.