The surgical excision of plantar warts is a treatment option for stubborn or recurring warts (verruca) when conservative treatments fail or when pharmacological treatments are not suitable.
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are skin lesions caused by viral infection, notably the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though often benign and self-limiting, they can grow large, become painful, and are contagious. Various treatment methods exist, with podiatric surgery considered a last resort.
Who is at risk?
Plantar warts usually pose few risks but can cause complications in diabetics, the elderly, immunosuppressed individuals, people who sweat excessively, or those with very dry skin. Treatment should be tailored by consulting a podiatrist early.
What can patients expect from plantar wart surgery?
Patients can expect some small scarring; however, the podiatrist prioritizes pain relief and maintaining the patient’s activity level throughout treatment.
When should you resort to plantar wart surgery?
Surgical excision is considered when plantar warts persist, grow, or resist other treatments. Surgery helps prevent complications such as infections, abscesses, cellulitis, or athlete’s foot for high-risk patients. Minor foot surgery may be performed by podiatrists to avoid such complications.
How to choose the right podiatrist to treat plantar warts?
Choose a podiatrist offering personalized support and a humane approach, ensuring thorough explanations, empathy, and good post-surgical care. PiedReseau emphasizes these values in their podiatrists and team.
A patient’s medical history is crucial
Podiatrists use detailed patient medical histories to identify plantar wart causes and anticipate complications, enabling sound treatment advice.
Clinical examination
Treatment begins with a clinical examination assessing surgical and medical histories, vascular health, lifestyle, medications, and allergies to determine if surgery is necessary and which treatment suits best.
Conservative treatments
Surgery is reserved after failure of conservative treatments such as prescription drugs, cryotherapy, Canthacur PS, bleomycin sulfate injections, and liquid nitrogen application.
The benefits of plantar wart surgery
- Eliminates persistent, treatment-resistant warts;
- Avoids prolonged medication use;
- Accelerates recovery compared to other treatments.
The benefits of surgical excision of plantar warts in podiatry
- Quick return to work;
- Maintenance of daily activities with occasional sport limitations;
- Permanent resolution of the problem;
- Preserves foot aesthetics.
Why choose a podiatrist for your plantar wart surgery?
Podiatrists offer expertise in assessment, treatment options, support, follow-up, and management of surgery-associated complications. They guide you fully through the procedure.
Choosing PiedReseau offers you a number of benefits
- Podiatry clinics across Quebec;
- Quick access to podiatrists;
- Prompt assistance and clear communication.
With clinics widely accessible, PiedReseau provides extensive professional foot care.
Plantar wart surgery procedure
There are three surgical methods under local anesthesia:
- Curettage of warts: Scraping and manual removal of large warts, possibly leaving minor scars.
- Laser surgery: Destroys wart blood vessels with a high-powered laser, causing wart regression. Multiple sessions may be needed with variable patient photosensitivity.
- Electrosurgery: Uses high-frequency electric current to dry and destroy wart tissue, possibly followed by curettage; scarring may occur.
Patients may experience some pain 1 to 3 weeks post-surgery.
Step-by-step description of plantar wart surgery
- Preoperative evaluation: The podiatrist explains treatment plans thoroughly for informed consent.
- Surgical preparation: Clean the foot well 24 hours before surgery.
- Day of surgery: Take prescribed medications as instructed; local anesthesia is administered; comfort ensured.
- Follow-up and home care: Podiatrist provides clear aftercare instructions and schedules a follow-up in 7-14 days. Load on the treated foot should be limited during healing.
How long do you recover after plantar wart surgery?
Recovery generally lasts 1 to 3 weeks with mild pain, progressing to complete healing.
When will I be able to resume my daily activities?
Daily activities can resume during recovery, but sports should be avoided initially.
Closely follow your podiatrist’s instructions
Strict adherence to pre- and post-surgery instructions is vital to ensure optimal healing.