Warts (Verruca Plantaris) are caused by the Papovavirus, which lives in the epidermal layer (outer layer) of the skin. Numerous treatment options exist because none of the options are foolproof, when it comes to treating a virus. The wart virus is contagious and may spread through the entire family. Community swimming pools, Karate classes, locker rooms, hotel rooms, and rental shoes are excellent places for exposure to the virus. Just about anyplace, that barefoot skin touches can spread the viral infection.
Warts have unique characteristics compared to a callus. Warts will have a cauliflower-type surface with black dots. These dots are traumatized blood vessels, which help feed the wart. The skin lines, (like your fingerprints) go around the wart and never go through the wart. Applying pressure to a callus hurts, but not to a wart. Squeezing a wart hurts, but not to a callus.
Shaving is a great procedure for warts that are resistant to home therapies, or for the patient who is looking for the fastest treatment available. This procedure is usually done in the office, but it can be done as an outpatient at the hospital or surgical center. Shaving usually requires only one treatment visit in comparison to multiple visits for acid therapy. Under local anesthesia, the wart is painlessly (shelled out) shaved away from the skin surface. The remaining site is treated with topical medication to kill the remaining virus particles. Usually, a 5-10 minute treatment is all that is required. Post-0p care includes bandaids and a topical antiseptic until healed. (Please note that a covered wound heals almost twice as fast as a wound without a bandage). Children and adults are happy and impressed with the results and convenience associated with this wart therapy. Do not forget to treat the shoes too, because the wart virus can live in your shoes and re-infect your foot.
For an appointment call 708-867-3338 or (630)-582-1100. We will adjust our hours for the convenience of our patients, whenever possible.
Open: Mon.- Sat. & Evenings by appointment only.
AFP Podiatry, LTD
825 N. ROSELLE RD. ROSELLE, IL. 60172
Phone: (630) 582-1100
or
AFP Podiatry LTD. 4701 N. Cumberland Ave. Suite 19 Norridge, Il. 60706 Phone: (708)-867-3338