If you frequently visit pools indoors or outdoors, you may come across bothersome warts. Warts can appear on the feet, hands, and even the face.

Understanding Warts

Warts are viral infections that are particularly common among children and young people. 

They manifest as skin lesions, varying in color from yellow/pink to grayish, and can appear on various body parts.

Plantar warts, in particular, are small growths that develop on the soles of the feet. They have thickened, often yellowish skin and may contain small black dots, the blood vessels supplying the wart. Plantar warts can cause pain and discomfort while walking.

Causes of Warts

Warts are caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV), a highly contagious infection. They can easily spread to different body parts or be transmitted to others through direct contact with warts. Keep in mind that:

  • Not all warts are painful (some, such as those on the hands, are often asymptomatic), but it is important to treat them to prevent the virus from spreading and new warts from forming;
  • Warts are primarily contracted through direct contact, such as touching someone else’s warts or coming into contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus (e.g., walking barefoot in areas previously touched by someone with warts).

Recognizing Warts

Warts can be identified by the following characteristics:

  • The thickened outer layer of the skin
  • Grayish-yellow color
  • Sensitivity or pain when pressure is applied to the lesion
  • Irregular surface
  • The presence of small black dots on the wart

Treatment Options for Warts

Several treatment methods are available for warts, including:

  • Local lotions or patches containing salicylic acid, which can be used at home under medical guidance or administered by a doctor in an outpatient setting;
  • Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen, which freezes the wart and triggers a local inflammatory response. Multiple sessions may be required, depending on the size and depth of the wart;
  • Vascular or CO2 laser therapy, which are advanced treatments allowing effective wart removal in one or a few sessions.

It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your doctor and note that the response to treatment may vary based on individual factors.

Remember, proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to effectively managing warts.