Yes, There Is a Connection Between HPV and Foot Warts

All the warts you ever experience trace back to strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 200 versions of the virus, including those that cause warts. 

Warts themselves are generally harmless, but when plantar warts form on the soles of your feet, the daily pressures of walking can drive wart tissue deeper than superficial warts in other places, causing discomfort and pain — all while making your daily tasks more difficult. 

Visit Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, when plantar warts interfere with your comfort. We specialize in plantar wart treatments, so we can have you stepping lightly again in no time. 

The connection between HPV and foot warts

Only specific strains of HPV cause warts after infecting the skin. When the infection occurs on the soles of your feet, plantar warts can develop. 

Unlike HPV strains linked to more serious conditions, those responsible for plantar warts are largely harmless, though they can be contagious.  These strains target the thick skin of the feet, entering through tiny cuts or cracks in the skin, which triggers the rapid cell growth that forms each wart.

You can recognize plantar warts by the characteristic rough texture and black dots, caused by coagulated blood. The pressure of walking on plantar warts can push the wart deeper, which is when discomfort and irritation begin. 

HPV infection

HPV viruses thrive in moist and warm environments, including public spaces like locker rooms, pools, and communal showers. Walking barefoot in these areas increases the chance of the virus entering your skin through small cracks or wounds in your feet.

You’re most likely to contract plantar warts in your teens and 20s, and your risk declines as you get older. Even though plantar warts aren’t highly contagious, they can spread under the right conditions. 

Wearing flip-flops or shower shoes in shared spaces reduces your risk of contact with HPV viruses. Good foot hygiene, including keeping your feet clean and dry, also reduces your risk of contracting a plantar wart infection. 

Don’t ignore plantar warts

Though plantar warts may be only a minor nuisance in the early stages, ignoring them can have you walking into bigger problems in the years ahead. A single wart can multiply into clusters, making them more challenging and painful to treat. 

Additionally, persistent warts may be a sign of a weakened immune system, an early warning for other infections your body would normally resist.

The discomfort of plantar warts can cause you to subconsciously shift your weight, affecting the way you walk. There’s a cascade effect over time, creating kip, knee, leg, and lower back pain. Prompt attention to plantar warts early prevents these secondary complications and interrupts the progression of symptoms.

Treating plantar warts

Plantar warts may disappear on their own in about two years. However, don’t wait for this if you’re experiencing pain and discomfort when walking. 

Treatments to eliminate plantar warts include: 

• Topical solutions like salicylic acid that dissolve wart tissue
• Cryotherapy wart treatments use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart
• Custom orthotics can relieve pressure to reduce discomfort. 

Minor surgery to remove a plantar wart is also available when conservative treatments aren’t enough. 

Because of the unique nature of plantar warts, don’t be tempted to try over-the-counter wart removers, which increase the risk of foot injuries, an important consideration for diabetics and others prone to slow-healing wounds. 

Contact Arlington/Mansfield Foot and Ankle Centers at the first sign of plantar wart infection. Call or click to schedule an appointment at our nearest location today.