Plantar Wart Causes, Removal & Treatment in Singapore

What are Plantar Warts (Verruca Plantaris)?

Plantar warts are a common and often painful foot condition caused by a viral infection. These warts can significantly impact your daily activities and overall foot health. At UFIT Podiatry in Singapore, we specialise in advanced plantar wart removal and treatment options, including Faulkner's needling technique and excision procedures, to effectively manage and eliminate plantar warts.

Plantar warts are growths that appear on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Unlike common warts found elsewhere, plantar warts grow inwards due to the pressure of walking and standing, forming a hard, thickened lesion that can be quite painful, particularly on weight-bearing areas like the heels or balls of the feet. This virus spreads through direct contact, often entering the skin through minor breaks or areas softened by moisture, making public changing rooms or swimming pools common sites for infection.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Common symptoms of plantar warts include:

Cauliflower-like Skin

Plantar warts often appear with a rough, granular surface that resembles a tiny cauliflower. This distinct texture is a key indicator that differentiates them from ordinary calluses, which can prompt individuals to seek plantar wart treatment.

Protruding Bump

While often flattened by pressure, a plantar wart can sometimes present as a slightly raised, flesh-coloured or brownish bump on the sole of the foot. You might notice this more if it's not in a primary weight-bearing area.

Black Pinpoints

A common distinguishing feature of plantar warts is the presence of tiny black dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels. These "seeds" can be a helpful sign to seek treatment for plantar warts.

Pain When Walking or Standing

Due to their location on weight-bearing areas of the foot, plantar warts can cause significant pain or tenderness, especially when walking or standing. This discomfort often leads individuals to seek professional help for plantar wart removal.

Thickened Skin Around the Wart

The pressure exerted on the wart during daily activities often causes the surrounding skin to thicken and harden. This callus-like layer can sometimes obscure the wart.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Common symptoms of plantar warts include:

Cauliflower-like Skin

Protruding Bump

Black Pinpoints

A common distinguishing feature of plantar warts is the presence of tiny black dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels. These "seeds" can be a helpful sign to seek treatment for plantar warts.

Pain When Walking or Standing

Thickened Skin Around the Wart

The pressure exerted on the wart during daily activities often causes the surrounding skin to thicken and harden. This callus-like layer can sometimes obscure the wart.

Walking Barefoot Walking barefoot, especially in communal areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, exposes your feet directly to the HPV virus. These environments are often warm and moist, creating ideal conditions for the virus to survive and spread.

Minor Skin Injuries Even small cuts, abrasions, or cracks on the feet can provide an easy entry point for the HPV virus. When the skin's protective barrier is compromised, the virus can readily invade and infect skin cells, leading to the formation of a wart.

Weakened Immune System Individuals with compromised or immature immune systems are more susceptible to viral infections, including HPV. A weaker immune response makes it harder for the body to fight off the virus once exposed, increasing the likelihood of developing plantar warts.

Poor Foot Hygiene Not keeping feet consistently clean and dry can create a favourable environment for the HPV virus. Excess moisture can soften the skin, making it more vulnerable to viral penetration, while poor hygiene can lead to minor skin irritations that serve as entry points for the virus.

1. Thorough
Assessment

We perform a detailed examination to diagnose the extent of the wart infection and identify the best management approach.

2. Customised Management Plans

Based on the assessment, we develop a management plan tailored to your specific needs, combining various therapies for optimal results.

3. Wart Needling (Faulkner's Needling Technique)

Our podiatrists specialize in Faulkner's needling technique, performed under local anesthesia. This procedure stimulates the immune system to recognize and fight the HPV virus, leading to the destruction of the wart.

4. Excision Procedures

In cases where other treatments are ineffective, we offer excision procedures to surgically remove the wart, providing immediate relief.

6. Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure the complete eradication of warts, preventing future outbreaks.

5. Preventative Advice

We provide guidance on proper foot hygiene and care to prevent the recurrence of plantar warts.

Management of Plantar Warts at UFIT Podiatry

At UFIT Podiatry, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing plantar warts, utilizing advanced techniques to ensure effective and lasting results:

1. Thorough
Assessment

We perform a detailed examination to diagnose the extent of the wart infection and identify the best management approach.

2. Customized Management Plans

Based on the assessment, we develop a management plan tailored to your specific needs, combining various therapies for optimal results.

3. Wart Needling (Faulkner's Needling Technique)

4. Excision Procedures

In cases where other treatments are ineffective, we offer excision procedures to surgically remove the wart, providing immediate relief.

5. Preventative Advice

We provide guidance on proper foot hygiene and care to prevent the recurrence of plantar warts.

6. Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure the complete eradication of warts, preventing future outbreaks.

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We offer personalized, evidence-based lower limb care for athletes, active individuals, and parents seeking specialized treatment for their children.

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We go beyond addressing your injury or pain. Through our Circle of Care, you can access our team of experts with a vast range of specialised experience and knowledge.

What to expect on your first visit

FULL BODY ASSESSMENT

We recognise the interconnectedness of musculoskeletal health, so we assess your entire body, not just your feet. We also focus on vital health indicators impacting your lower limbs, like circulation, nerve function and alignment.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools to get real-time insights into your soft tissue, joints and structures to provide a fast and accurate diagnosis.

DETAILED REPORT

Post-assessment, you will receive clear and comprehensive reports detailing our findings. This will allow you to make informed decisions on your treatment plan.

TREATMENT PLAN

Together with you, we formulate a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan that suit your goals and preferences.

Lewis Nurney

Lewis is a highly experienced podiatrist with over 5 years of practice in Singapore, bringing his expertise to UFIT's comprehensive Circle of Care. As Head of Podiatry at UFIT Club Street, he specialises in sports podiatry, innovative orthotics for adults and children (including 3D-printed custom insoles, Paediatric AFOs and SMOs for pediatric flat feet), and minimally invasive procedures.

A first-class honours graduate from the University of Huddersfield (UK), Lewis holds dual certifications in Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), Diagnostic Ultrasound and Running Gait analysis. Previously with East Coast Podiatry, he now provides patient-centred care at UFIT, specialising in non-surgical management of conditions like Foot Pain, Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy in both children and adults, ultimately focused on alleviating discomfort and restoring optimal foot function.

Elliot Yeldham

Elliott is a dedicated podiatrist with over 7 years of healthcare experience, gained in both the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and private practice. He holds an Honours degree in Podiatry from Cardiff Metropolitan University (Wales), and brings a wealth of expertise to Singapore.

Specialising in Musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry, Elliott's interests include sport podiatry and the management of gait abnormalities in both adults and children. He is also recognised for his skill and patient-focused approach in minimally invasive procedures for ingrown toenails and wart removal. Committed to a patient-centred and multidisciplinary model, Elliott actively stays informed of the latest healthcare advancements through clinical research and international conferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Warts and Plantar Wart Treatment

Are plantar warts contagious? Yes, plantar warts are contagious. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread through direct contact, especially in warm, moist environments like communal showers.

Can plantar warts be linked to other health conditions? While plantar warts themselves are generally localised skin infections, individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to illness or medication) are more susceptible to developing them. They are not typically linked to other severe health conditions.

What happens if plantar warts aren’t treated? If left untreated, plantar warts can multiply, grow larger, and become increasingly painful, especially on weight-bearing areas. They can also spread to other parts of the foot or to other people, making plantar wart treatment more challenging.

Is plantar wart treatment painful? The level of discomfort for plantar wart treatment varies depending on the method and individual pain tolerance. Podiatrists aim to minimise pain, and may use local anaesthesia for manual removal.

How long does it take to remove a plantar wart? The time taken for plantar wart removal varies based on the wart's size, depth, and the chosen treatment method. Some treatments might show improvement within weeks, while others require multiple sessions over several months.

Is laser treatment effective for plantar warts? Laser treatment can be an effective treatment option for persistent plantar warts, particularly when other methods have failed. It works by targeting the blood supply to the wart.

How do I know when my plantar wart has been fully removed? A plantar wart is fully removed when the skin returns to its normal texture, and the characteristic black pinpoints (clotted blood vessels) are no longer visible. There should also be no residual pain or tenderness when pressure is applied.

Can I prevent plantar warts from spreading? Yes, you can prevent plantar warts from spreading by avoiding direct contact with them, not picking or scratching them, and wearing protective footwear in communal areas.

Can plantar warts return after treatment? Yes, plantar warts can unfortunately return after plantar wart treatment. This is because the HPV virus can sometimes remain dormant in the skin or you can be reinfected. To prevent this, always wear footwear in high-risk communal areas and practice good foot hygiene.

Can plantar warts go away on their own? Occasionally, small plantar warts may resolve on their own over months. However, professional treatment for plantar warts is highly recommended for persistent warts.

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Plantar Warts Treatment

What are Plantar Warts (Verruca Plantaris)?

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Cauliflower-like Skin

Protruding Bump

Black Pinpoints

Pain When Walking or Standing

Thickened Skin Around the Wart

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Cauliflower-like Skin

Protruding Bump

Black Pinpoints

Pain When Walking or Standing

Thickened Skin Around the Wart

Causes of Plantar Warts

Walking Barefoot

Minor Skin Injuries

Weakened Immune System

Poor Foot Hygiene

Our Approach to Plantar Warts Removal Treatment

Management of Plantar Warts at UFIT Podiatry

What to expect on your first visit

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Tips to Manage and Prevent Plantar Warts

Avoid Walking Barefoot Outdoor

Wear Protective Footwear

Strengthen Your Immune System

Practice Foot Hygiene

Avoid Picking Scratching Warts

Seek Professional Treatment for Persistent Warts

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Meet Our Podiatry Team

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Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Warts and Plantar Wart Treatment

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