Warts aren’t fun to deal with, especially if they leave you uncomfortable or in pain, but they don’t have to put a dent in your summer plans. They are painful bumps on your skin, often on the bottom of your feet. They typically are more painful when pressed from side to side. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, which is very common in the environment and makes warts easily spread from surfaces and from person to person.

 

Prevent Warts This Summer

 

There are several ways to prevent plantar warts. First, it’s important to keep your feet dry. Make sure you wear comfortable footwear and that your feet are always protected. Avoid walking barefoot, especially in places with sharp objects like rocks. Washing and cleaning your feet thoroughly daily can help prevent you from getting them. Because a virus causes them, warts are contagious.

 

Treat Your Warts

Many over-the-counter remedies can help with minor warts. However, it’s best to consult a foot specialist who can diagnose the severity of the problem and offer the proper remedy. Over-the-counter medications aren’t always effective, and warts often return after treatment. Here at West Hartford Podiatry, we offer a number of efficient treatments. One of the latest treatments for warts is the SWIFT device. This works via microwaves and helps the body’s own immune system target and eliminate the virus, leading to a less than 1% recurrence rate. If you think you or someone in your family has a wart, give us a call to see if this therapy is for you.

At West Hartford Podiatry Associates Kurt Rode, DPM, and Marc Lederman, DPM treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions such as ankle sprains, fractures, running injuries, sports injuries, pediatric foot care, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, and neuromas. We provide the best podiatric solutions to patients of all ages in Hartford County. Contact us for your foot and ankle needs. Our office is at 2531 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117.