Plantar wart
Overview
Wart
A wart is generally a small, rough growth, typically on a human’s hands or feet but often other locations, that can resemble a cauliflower or a solid blister. They are caused by a viral infection, specifically by human papillomavirus 2 and 7. There are as many as 10 varieties of warts, the most...
caused by the human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is a member of the papillomavirus family of viruses that is capable of infecting humans. Like all papillomaviruses, HPVs establish productive infections only in keratinocytes of the skin or mucous membranes...
occurring on the sole or toes of the foot. (HPV infections in other locations are not plantar; see human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is a member of the papillomavirus family of viruses that is capable of infecting humans. Like all papillomaviruses, HPVs establish productive infections only in keratinocytes of the skin or mucous membranes...
.) Plantar warts are usually self-limiting
Self-limiting (biology)
In biology, a self-limiting organism or colony of organisms limits its own growth by its actions. For example, a single organism may have a maximum size determined by genetics, or a colony of organisms may release waste which is ultimately toxic to the colony once it exceeds a certain population...
, but treatment is generally recommended to lessen symptoms (which may include pain), decrease duration, and reduce transmission.
It is estimated that 7–10% of the US population is infected. Infection typically occurs from moist walking surfaces such as showers or swimming pools.
