Warts are benign skin lesions caused by the Human Papilloma Virus HPV. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions and can lead to painful growths that are often confused with corns or calluses. Warts may appear anywhere but are especially common on the bottom of the foot plantar warts. While about half of warts may resolve on their own over a two year period, treatment is recommended to prevent spreading the infection to other areas of the feet or to other people. At Alpine Foot Specialists in Lake Zurich, we provide effective wart treatment for patients of all ages.
If you have developed a wart, you were exposed to the wart causing virus at some point, even months prior. Transmission often happens through shared surfaces or contaminated objects. Exposure can occur through using towels or personal items that carry the virus or walking barefoot in public environments such as pool decks, locker rooms, or public showers. These warm, moist areas allow the HPV virus to thrive, increasing the risk of infection.
The best way to prevent warts is to limit exposure to the virus. Practice frequent hand washing, clean gym equipment before use, and always wear protective footwear such as sandals in public places like locker rooms or pool decks. Keeping your skin moisturized and healthy helps create a stronger barrier against viral invasion. Consistent prevention reduces your risk of developing plantar warts and other HPV related lesions.
Although some warts may naturally resolve over time, prompt treatment is recommended to stop the virus from spreading to other areas of the foot or to other members of your household. Warts on the feet can become painful, especially when walking or standing, making professional podiatric care essential for relief and long term prevention.
Dr. Gurrera provides in-office wart treatment using a combination of careful trimming and targeted topical therapies. During treatment, warts are professionally trimmed to reduce pressure and discomfort, allowing medications to work more effectively. Topical treatments are then applied in the office to help eliminate the virus and promote healing of the surrounding skin.
For pediatric patients or those who prefer a gentler approach, Dr. Gurrera also offers a painless homeopathic treatment option. This child-friendly solution is designed to treat warts without discomfort, making it an excellent choice for children or patients who are anxious about traditional treatments. Dr. Gurrera will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient’s age, comfort level, and severity of the wart.
