The removal of plantar warts poses quite a challenge as they can be quite awkward to treat. Plantar warts, like other warts, are an infection of the human papillomavirus, and are contracted through contact with other infected people, or through contact with contaminated clothing, shared towels, or footwear. What is special about these is that they appear only on the sole of the foot, and have a distinctive appearance.

This type of wart is very widespread, and is not anything for you to get upset or worried about. Because of their location on the sole of the foot, though, they may cause you quite a bit of pain when walking.

Here are seven ways you can get help to have them removed. The logical approach is to use the least invasive method first, and then progress through increasing levels of intervention.

1. Cryotherapy is a common and easy way to treat plantar warts. Liquid nitrogen or some other extremely cold liquid is applied to the wart, causing it to freeze. It may fall off of its own accord, or may need to be removed with a lance.

This method is uncomfortable, but it is very inexpensive. You may have to get it done repeatedly to remove all your plantars, however.

2. Cantharidin is a chemical derived from a beetle, which, combined with salicylic acid, is highly corrosive to plantar warts.

The idea is to chemically burn off the wart with repeated applications. You may experience some small level of pain when walking about on the treated blistered wart, but when the wart finally goes, you will feel perfectly comfortable.

3. You can also try salicylic acid on its own; this can be bought over the counter in most druggists without a prescription.

4. Electro-therapy is a method of literally burning the plantar wart away. Its effectiveness must be balanced against the fact that there can be some scarring. But, if you consider that this type of wart is not normally visible, you may not be concerned about any scarring issues.

5. Laser treatment is also common. It can be a little costly, and there is some associated pain. You may experience the feel of the laser as like having a rubber elastic snapped against your skin. If that seems too much, a local anesthetic can be used to help you feel more comfortable and at ease.

6. Immunotherapy triggers the body’s own immune system to attack your plantar warts. One method is to inject an antigen straight into the wart.

Alternatively, interferon is used. This is a drug which is known for its power to increase our immune response. The idea is that your body can be fooled into thinking it is under attack, and will so deal with your plantars.

7. Duct tape is a home based remedy that lots of folks swear by. The idea is that a plantar wart, like any wart, is just another living thing which needs to “breathe”. if you can reduce its oxygen supply, so the theory goes, you may be able to kill off the wart.

The method is quite simple: wash the affected area, apply clean duct tape, and go about your business. Change the tape daily, always keeping the area clean, and wait for a result. It works for many; perhaps it will work for you, too.

Author Bio: Jim Evans is a mole and wart removal expert. For more great information on plantar wart removal visit http://www.secretsofmolewartremoval.com.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: plantar wart removal, plantar warts, warts,salicylic acid