Tips to Cope with Warts on Top of Feet

Warts are caused by viral infection and can affect people of all ages. But they are more common in children and teens, because most people tend to get a stronger immune system as they age. This skin problem can affect any areas, including top of feet. Though many times it can go away spontaneously over time, some self-care treatments are available to cope with it!

There are several types of warts, and some of them are common warts and plantar warts. The first type usually affects hands, but they can affect any areas of the skin. And for the second type, it usually occurs on the soles of foot.

Common warts

All kind of warts are caused by viral infection called the human papillomavirus (HPV). But they are not caused with the same kind of HPV. HPV itself has more than 100 different types. And not all of them can cause warts.

Each type of this virus can cause different type of warts. That’s why, if you have common warts, they are less likely to infect the genital areas, because both common and genital warts are caused by different types of HPV.

However, since common warts can occur appear anywhere – it is important to take preventive steps to prevent them from spreading to other areas of the body such as on top of feet.

How about plantar warts?

They tend to be flat and harder, which commonly found on soles of feet (areas that get the most pressure).

Because the pressure of standing and walking, they usually don’t stick up – instead, they tend to grow inward beneath the skin. To respond the infection, the body makes calluses to prevent spread of the problem, but it also can make the problem become more painful when walking.

Many cases of this type improve spontaneously over time, even without treatment. However, sometime it can grow together in a cluster, causing a condition called mosaic warts.

It tends to only affect soles of feet and less likely to spread to other parts of the body. However if it gets worse, it may also spread to the toes or top of feet.

In general, it is considered harmless. But since it often can be painful and affect the way to walk, many people are more likely to seek treatment.

If the problem only occurs on top of feet, it is relatively easier to treat than if the problem also affects the soles of feet.

Plantar warts are not only bad in reputation due to often cause pain, but it is also more difficult to resolve.

Self-care treatments

Over-the-counter medicines are available, and you can buy some without prescription. They usually contain salicylic acid.

1. Use emery board /nail file to file the wart when your skin is wet /damp. For better result, do this step after a bath /shower. It is intended to help remove dead cells before applying over-the-counter. And keep the tools separate! Never use the same nail file for any areas of the body that are not affected since virus can spread!
2. Then apply the medicine on the warts! For more detailed information, follow the instructions on the package directions!
3. Skin-to-skin contact can spread the virus to other areas of the skin. Therefore, it’s essential to use a bandage to cover the wart!