Warts on the legs can be a big problem as they cause a lot of discomfort to the body and many times cause difficulties while walking. We will look at what they are, what causes them, the signs and symptoms and remedies on how to treat them.
There are other categories of warts, though the ones that are associated with the legs are known as plantar warts, also known as verruca plantaris. Plantar warts are rough growths that appear at the bottom of the feet. They are mostly painful when pressure is applied to it either when standing or walking and though they can sometimes disappear on their own; the pain cannot be endured for long thus treatment is advised.
Causes of Plantar Warts
Just as other types of warts plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus. It infects the outermost layer of the skin and causes it to swell or grow rapidly. Warts also spread rapidly through touching the infected area then touching an uninfected area.
Signs and Symptoms
Rough growth on the feet and one can sometimes have an itching sensation or feeling.
Plantar wart on heel
Plantar wart on toe
Planter wart on feet
Plantar wart on the heel can be managed either by using home remedies or medication just to mention but a few. Let us look at each of these in two different sections below.
Natural and Home Remedies for Warts on Legs
Salicylic Acid
This is the most common home remedy used all over the world. It is the most dominant ingredient in the most effective of over the counter products and topical treatment for warts. There are numerous ointments like wartol containing a certain amount of salicylic acid that can be bought over the counter or on wart treatment products website such as AboutWart.
The main options that are advised are salicylic acid pads and salicylic acid solutions. The salicylic acid and pads are applied to the wart daily and afterwards a pumice stone is used to remove the dead skin. Patience is advised as this method can take a while and in some cases one may require to visit a doctor for further diagnosis and prescription if solutions or pads don’t work.
Use of Caustic Pencil
This is another well know home remedy. The caustic pencil contains silver nitrate which also removes the warts. Though a harsh choice, diligence is advised if you decide to use caustic pencil as a home remedy. Care is also advised while using caustic pencil as the silver nitrate content can cause irritation, burning or stain the skin.
Duct Tape
The gray duct tape method is a home remedy that is commonly used to suffocate and kill the wart as it deprives the wart of oxygen. Results have shown that black, silver and gray tape produce results but clear warts don’t. The duct tape is wrapped around or on the wart others prefer applying salicylic acid on the area infected with the wart and then applying the tape.
Duct tape on feet
Garlic Treatment
Described as one of the effective treatment for warts on hand, it can also provide the same results for others as people respond differently to different treatments. Garlic juice or oil is preferred for this method. Garlic contains antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties that work against the wart. Garlic juice is applied directly to the wart and then covered up with a bandage for about 12 hours; this process done for six weeks will produce results. A daily diet that contains garlic is also advised.
Apple Cider Vinegar
People with potassium deficiency are also prone to the infection of warts and as such eating fruits and foods that are high in potassium will reduce the chances of wart infection. Apple cider vinegar is known to have high concentration potassium and is also favored by many as a home remedy. The wart is soaked in a solution of apple cider vinegar for a while; you can also dampen some cotton with the solution and apply directly to the wart.
Wart removal products
This product is solely developed for wart treatment. Most of them have been successful marketed online and pictures also have shown pictures before the use and after the use of these products. Some of the most preferred among them are Dr.Scholl’s Wart Remover Kit, DermaTend, Wartrol, Aboutwart, and H-wart among others. The use of wart removal products should only be after consultation with a dermatologist or a qualified doctor and the ingredients used should be those that have been approved by the FDA.
Treatment of Warts on Legs
If the use of home remedies or wart removal products don’t work or aren’t favored, then there is always the option of treating the wart. There are several methods that can be used; these include cryotherapy, laser removal and burning the wart.
Cryotherapy
This procedure involves using a cryogen to free the wart, in this case liquid nitrogen. The procedure is highly effective and requires at least four treatments. The procedure causes a blister to form which is then covered with a bandage and the dead skin is removed afterwards. This procedure can only be done by a qualified medical personnel and it is advisable on after diagnosis and prescription from a dermatologist.
Immunotherapy
This method solely depends on your immune system but can be very effective. Immunotherapy involves introducing antigens into the body which when given time provokes the body’s immune system to respond and the result is the production of antigens to in turn kill the wart. This is a very delicate procedure and also needs to be undertaken by a qualified medical practitioner.
The above methods are all effective for different extents, though the home remedies could be the easiest way out it is advised that before one uses any he consults a doctor to get the correct diagnosis to confirm that what is being treated in indeed warts. The same case applies to wart removal products that can be bought over the counter. Cryotherapy and Immunotherapy among others are mostly used when the easy methods have failed and on doctor’s advice; though they are also a choice that one can opt for they also have some side effects as they can damage skin or leave you with a scar.
Warts on legs just like in any other part should be treated so that one is comfortable. The methods discussed can shed some light on the choices that one have while dealing with the problem of wart on legs.
Featured images:
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
- License: Image author owned
John Meyer is a health student. He has been studying human health for four years. He has a passion for skin problems likes helping those with skin problems.
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