Foot Wart Removal in Singapore

foot wart removal in singapore

Plantar warts are small, non-cancerous skin growths caused by a common virus that enters the foot through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. Due to pressure from walking, they often grow inwards, sometimes developing a hardened layer of skin on top. 

If you notice hard lumps on the heel or sole of your foot, we encourage you to seek assessment at Dr Foot Podiatry to understand your condition and explore appropriate care options, such as wart removal.

Causes of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts develop from an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus typically enters the skin through tiny cuts, abrasions, or vulnerable areas on the foot’s surface. Environments that promote moisture and foot exposure, such as public swimming pools, communal showers, or locker rooms, can increase the risk of encountering the virus. The HPV then establishes itself within the skin layers, leading to the characteristic wart formation or a bump that can hurt or cause discomfort. 

Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts typically appear as small, rough, and painful growths on the bottom of your foot, often near the base of your toes, or on the ball or heel. On rare occasions, it can appear on the toes as well.

Affected spots may feel like pebbles under your feet, causing pain or a sore sensation when you walk or stand. The skin over a plantar wart may also become hardened, forming a callus. Sometimes, you might notice tiny black pinpoints within the wart, which are small clotted blood vessels. In some cases, several small warts can cluster together, forming what is known as mosaic warts.

Why Professional Foot Wart Removal is Important

why professional foot wart removal is important

While some may consider home remedies for plantar warts, a plantar wart, caused by a contagious virus, may not go away on its own and can spread if not properly addressed by a podiatrist in Singapore

Here are some reasons why:

 

  • Professional Assessment Ensures Proper Identification: A podiatrist distinguishes plantar warts from other foot conditions, ensuring that you get the much-needed removal if necessary.
  • Avoid Damage and Lesions to Surrounding Skin: Professional methods can minimise the risk of harming healthy tissue around the wart.
  • Reduce Pain and Prevent Wart Spread: Targeted treatments alleviate discomfort and help contain the viral infection, preventing its spread to other areas or individuals.
  • Customised Approach: Podiatrists develop a care plan tailored to the wart’s size, location, and your individual health, optimising outcomes.

Foot Wart Removal Options at Dr Foot Podiatry

At Dr Foot Podiatry, we offer various plantar wart removal methods, tailored to the specific nature of your condition. The approach chosen considers the wart’s size and its duration of presence. Our goal is to remove the wart while supporting your body’s healing process.

Our clinic employs the following methods:

  • Silver Nitrate: Your podiatrist prepares the wart tissue to expose the underlying blood supply before applying silver nitrate to the affected area on your foot. This prompts a response to encourage healthy tissue development.
  • Salicylic Acid: After careful preparation, this chemical is applied to help remove the plantar wart layer by layer. Similar to silver nitrate, this process aims to encourage the immune system to generate new, healthy skin cells.
  • Cryotherapy: This involves carefully freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen, applied with a spray or swab. The process can also lead to a blister forming around the wart, and the affected tissue typically separates.
  • Verruca Needling: This approach involves using a needle to gently prick the wart. This action is intended to encourage the body’s immune system to respond to the infection.
  • Swift Microwave Therapy: This non-invasive method uses microwave energy to rapidly heat the wart tissue, stimulating a targeted immune response without damaging the skin. Swift therapy is designed to address the root cause of plantar warts with minimal discomfort, no puncturing of the skin, and a clinically low recurrence rate of under 1%.

How Much Does Plantar Wart Removal Cost?

The cost of plantar wart removal at Dr Foot Podiatry is transparent. Furthermore, the treatment duration can vary depending on several factors, including the wart’s size, its number, and the specific treatment method chosen. 

Initial consultations help determine the most appropriate care plan for your condition. During this assessment, your podiatrist will provide a clear understanding of the estimated costs in Singapore. 

Book Your Foot Wart Removal Consultation Today

If you are experiencing discomfort from plantar warts or suspect you may have one, proactive care is important. At Dr Foot Podiatry, our caring and professional team is ready to provide an attentive assessment and discuss suitable removal options. You can also turn to us for other foot-related concerns, including ingrown toenails, foot corn removal, plantar fasciitis, and even having your custom foot insoles made.

Schedule your consultation with Dr Foot Podiatry today to receive a proper identification of your condition and explore personalised pathways for foot wart removal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Wart Removal

Are plantar warts contagious?

Yes, warts on heels and other areas of the foot are contagious, and they can spread through direct contact with the virus, particularly in warm, moist environments like communal showers or swimming pool areas.

Can plantar warts come back after treatment?

It’s possible for a new wart to appear even after successful foot wart removal. This can happen if the area is re-exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes warts, rather than a recurrence of the original wart.

How can I prevent plantar warts from spreading to others?

To help prevent the spread of plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Also, wear flip-flops in communal showers, and refrain from sharing towels or personal foot care items. Keep your feet clean and dry, and consider professional wart removal.

When should I see a podiatrist for plantar warts?

See a podiatrist if you have persistent plantar warts that are causing significant pain, and if you notice changes in their appearance, or if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, as these conditions can complicate foot health. Or simply just because you do not wish to spread the wart to your loved ones!