A Wart is a viral infection of skin, seen commonly on the bottom of the foot (plantar wart) or on the palmer surface of the hand. Warts most often affect young people, or those with a weakened immune system. They are not highly contagious, and it is uncommon for more than one family member to have warts at the same time. It is not however uncommon for someone who has warts to see a spread of warts to other areas of the foot or to the other foot.
Warts appear on feet as hardened areas of skin, and are often mistaken as corns or calluses. Warts often have black dots in their center, as opposed to other skin lesions. They are sometimes but not always painful to walk on.
Diagnosis of a wart is based on physical examination to the site, and is usually quick and simple.
The treatment of warts includes the application of topical medication, which is usually either acid or chemical based. The use of laser to the site of the wart is a quick and efficient office based treatment that does not require anesthesia, and the patient can return to normal activity immediately.
When surgery is indicated, removal of the wart under local anesthesia is performed on an outpatient basis with very high rates of success.
Drs. Notari and Subik are Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery by The American Board of Podiatric Surgery.