Plantar warts, also known as verrucas, are small, noncancerous growths that appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are highly contagious, making them a common problem for many people. While plantar warts can be treated, preventing them in the first place is the best course of action.
Here are some tips for keeping your feet healthy and wart-free.
Practice good hygiene: Warts thrive in warm, moist environments, so it's important to keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. If your feet sweat, consider using an antiperspirant or antifungal spray. Keeping your feet dry will prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Keeping feet dry prevents the virus from infecting the skin.
Don't walk barefoot: Walking barefoot in public places, such as locker rooms or public showers, and hotel pools can also increase your risk of contracting plantar warts. Viruses can live for months on hard surfaces waiting for a foot to come along to infect. Always wear shoes or sandals in these areas.
Avoid touching or picking at warts: If you already have a plantar wart, avoid touching or picking at it. You may end up with a wart on your finger. Trying to dig the wart out at home may cause the wart to spread to other parts of your foot.
Don't share personal items: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, shoes, or nail clippers with others, as this can also spread the virus. Wash towels in hot water and bleach. Use your own nail clippers. Be sure to disinfect them with rubbing alcohol before and after use.
Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet with adequate vitamins and minerals can strengthen your immune system, which can help prevent the growth of warts. Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help boost your immune system and keep your skin healthy. Look for multivitamins with adequate vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. Taking a probiotic improves your gut health which boosts your immunity.
In conclusion, preventing plantar warts is all about maintaining good hygiene, wearing appropriate footwear, avoiding barefoot walking, and taking care of your overall health. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of contracting plantar warts and keep your feet healthy and wart-free. If you do find yourself with a stubborn wart we can help. Swift microwave therapy effectively treats plantar warts. Call us to schedule an appointment.
