English: Mosaic cluster of Plantar warts – with salicylic acid recently applied (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Plantar warts in their very initial phases of growth. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you are considering laser treatments for a bothersome plantar wart, the first recommended step is to consult a knowledgeable podiatrist. This type of foot specialist can diagnose second- versus third-degree plantar warts. Treatment with a pulse dye laser is often recommended when a stubborn plantar wart keeps returning after other methods have failed. Some of the first methods a physician will try include topical applications of salicylic acid or injections of medication formulated to trigger the body’s natural immune defenses against the plantar wart. If these treatments have been ineffective, you are a good candidate for plantar wart removal with laser.
The Process of Laser Treatments
At your initial consultation, a laser treatment specialist will go over the process with you, including after-care to ensure the treated wart does not become infected. Most patients who have had plantar wart laser treatments describe a mild blistering or burning sensation as the laser penetrates all layers of skin on the warts, but this usually subsides after a few minutes. Some people experience more discomfort than others depending on the location of the plantar warts on the feet and on individual pain thresholds. The majority of patients can return to normal activities within one or two days after laser treatments on plantar warts, and many report little or no pain in less than five days after laser treatment.
Caring for Post-Lasered Plantar Warts
After a plantar wart has been treated with a laser it is important to keep excess moisture away from the treated area as much as possible. The HPV virus thrives in moist environments, and it can possibly return if the feet are not exposed to open air for at least part of each day. For the first week or two after laser treatment for plantar warts, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly after showering or swimming and to go barefoot whenever possible. Also avoid sharing socks, shoes, towels or flip-flops with others to reduce the chances of reintroducing the virus responsible for plantar warts. We also recommend that you consider changing your footwear or sterilising your footwear daily with Lysol or similar agents.
Laser treatment for plantar warts can be an effective solution when other options have not eliminated them. There is always a failure rate with these laser treatments. Plantar warts can be insidious
English: Deep plantar wart which has proved intractable so far. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
and persistent. The number of treatment sessions you require will largely depend on the severity and number of plantar warts you have. For a consultation about possible laser treatments, contact us today.
