A Plantar's Wart (Verruca Plantaris) is a benign soft tissue lesion on the sole of the foot. They are caused by a viral infection that enters the foot through a break in the skin or pressure area and are common in adolescents. They are extremely contagious.

Signs and Symptoms

• A plantar wart has a distinct edge with a central core. It usually does not project beyond the skin surface, but appears to grow inward.
• The wart may appear as a small, painful black dot in a centre surrounded by a clear callus area. It can sometimes resemble a black seed and is related to dry pinpoint bleeding.
• The athlete may complain of point tenderness, and may feel as if they have walked on broken glass.

Reduce Direct Pressure.A donut pad, cut to the size of the callused area will help to alleviate direct pressure on the area.

Medical Referral. A physician or podiatrist should be consulted regarding treatment and removal options. On the advice of one of these practitioners, a home care protocol would include filing the lesion, application of verruca medication (for example Duoforte, Occuluslyl). Medical care would also include debridement of the wart, and application of various chemical cautery medications such as Salicylic Acid, Canthrone Plus or liquid nitrogen.

Prevention

• Keeping the callus build-up around the wart will help prevent the enlargement of the plantar wart.
• Even more important, though, is to have all athletes wear footwear in the shower area to help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.

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