Clearing Up The Most Common Misconceptions Concerning Plantar Warts
Posted on: 14 April 2015
On the ball or heel of your foot you notice a quite hard little bump that feels a bit grainy, like a piece of sandstone. A quick Internet search reveals that what you have on your foot is likely what is referred to by podiatrists as a plantar wart. Before you take in everything you read and what others tell you about these foot warts, it is important that you know the facts. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions about plantar warts, and the real truth you need to know.
Misconception: If you take the seed out of the wart, it will go away on its own.
Fact: Plantar warts usually have a tiny black spot that is visible through the top few layers of your skin. What you see is not a seed, but a cluster of blood vessels. By trying to open up a wart in your own, especially without certainty that it is a plantar wart, you could be exposing yourself to further risks of infection.
Misconception: Plantar warts occur if you do not wear shoes like you are supposed to.
Fact: You can be more at risk for plantar warts without shoes, but it is not the lack of shoes that causes the problem in itself. These warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV, that can get into the body through minor cuts and abrasions. People who do not wear shoes in public places, for example, could contract the virus through a small opening in the bottom of their feet.
Misconception: Only elderly people have plantar warts on their feet.
Fact: It is true that the older population may be more prone to seeing issues with their feet in general. However, when it comes to plantar warts, there is no discrimination in the age of the person that sees a wart develop. Every age group from young children to mature adults can see the warts develop, but children and teenagers may be even more at risk than anyone else.
By learning a little about plantar warts, you will be better equipped to deal with the problem and understand how important it is to visit a podiatrist for help if you are experiencing this painful problem. With the right form of treatment from a professional, you will see an improvement much quicker and rest assured knowing you have the appropriate diagnosis from the doctor.
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