Introduction
Papillomas on the foot, also known as plantar warts, are skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is important to recognize them in time for appropriate treatment. In this article, the characteristics of foot papillomas and the methods of diagnosis and treatment are detailed.
Characteristics of foot papillomas
Rough texture
Plantar papillomas have a rough, granular surface, which can be felt as a bump or hardness on the skin.
black dots
A distinctive feature of plantar warts is the small black dots on their surface, which are clotted blood vessels.
Pain when pressed
Unlike calluses, plantar warts can be painful when pressed from the sides due to inward growth due to constant pressure from walking or standing.
Common location
Plantar warts usually appear on weight-bearing areas of the foot, such as the heel and the base of the toes, and are surrounded by thickened, calloused skin.
Associated symptoms
Tenderness and pain
In addition to pain when pressed, plantar warts can cause general tenderness around the wart, making it difficult to walk or stand for extended periods.
Change in posture or gait
Because of the pain and discomfort, some people may unconsciously change the way they walk to avoid putting pressure on the wart, which can lead to postural problems or pain in other parts of the foot and leg.
Diagnostic methods
Visual examination
A doctor or podiatrist can diagnose a plantar wart through a visual examination, looking for typical features.
Gentle scraping
In some cases, the doctor may gently scrape the surface of the wart to look for blackheads and assess the granular structure beneath the thickened skin.
Biopsy
In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and rule out other conditions.
Differentiation from other conditions
hardness
Calluses are usually larger, evenly distributed and do not have black dots. Pain is usually felt by pressing directly on the callus.
Cysts
Cysts can be painful, but they do not have the granular texture or black dots characteristic of plantar warts.
Melanoma plantar
Dark lesions that change in shape, size, or color on the foot should be evaluated by a professional to rule out melanoma or other types of skin cancer.
Treatment
Once a foot papilloma is diagnosed, there are several treatment options, such as topical application of salicylic acid, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, or more advanced methods such as electrocautery and laser.
Recognizing and properly treating foot papillomas is essential to avoid complications. If you suspect you have a plantar wart, see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
