A plantar wart is an uncomfortable nuisance and sometimes-painful growth that appears on the bottom of the foot. The wart is caused by an infection and can be contracted by performing everyday activities. Although not a serious condition, it is contagious and can be picked up rather easily.
Plantar Wart Causes
Like many types of skin problems, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the reason behind a plantar wart. HPV can cause skin growths on many parts of the body; however, this strain is specific to the soles of the feet.
The warts are most likely to show up in high-pressure areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. This virus affects mostly children and young adults and is not caused by sexual contact. The warts are produced from HPV types 1, 2, and 4. As frightening as that may sound, this strain of HPV is practically harmless and often goes away on its own.
HPV Infections
The very contagious virus is contracted through direct contact. Sometimes it is picked up by a skin-to-skin contact, but more often it is contracted after coming in contact with an infected surface.
The infection invades the body through cuts or abrasions on the foot. Walking around barefoot or unprotected in warm moist environments is the easiest way to catch the infection. Humid areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and community showers are breeding grounds for HPV.
The virus can live up to three months on an infected surface. If you have a wart, it can be transferred to different areas on the body. Contact with a plantar wart can be spread to your hands if there is broken skin or a cut. However, they cannot be spread to the genitals. Warts that grow in the genital area come from a different and more serious strain of HPV.
