Plantar Warts

Pathology

 

Human papilloma virus

 

Occur in any part of sole

 

Clinical Features

 

Do not project above level of skin

- because of pressure of weight bearing

- seldom more than 1cm in diameter

- skin surrounding wart thickened and raised

- edge clearly demarcated from surrounding skin

 

Severe localised pain on walking

 

Local tenderness on pressure

 

DDx

 

Plantar callosities

- warts occur anywhere

- callosities occur over points of pressure

- warts have clearly defined edge with possible cleft between it and skin

- callosities blend with surrounding skin

- warts have punctate bleeding

 

Treatment

 

Non-operative

 

Cauterisation / freezing / Paring

 

Operative

 

Curettage and cauterisation of base

- (care taken with digital nerves etc)