Plantar warts (and Palmer warts) are noncancerous skin growths, caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. These types of warts are common, especially in children. These warts are named for where they appear on the body. Palmer warts occur on the hands and Plantar warts on the bottom of the foot. The culprit is a strain of virus called human papillomavirus or HPV.

Many strains of the virus exist, and those that cause common warts on the hands and feet are not the same strains of HPV that cause genital warts. Plantar warts are usually self-limiting, but treatment is generally recommended to lessen symptoms (which may include pain), decrease duration, and reduce transmission. As all warts are contagious, precautions should be taken to avoid spreading them.  With a comprehensive evaluation here at Foot and Ankle Associates of Michigan, we can determine if your skin lesion is in fact a Plantar wart, and begin treatment.