Plantar warts

B07


DESCRIPTION

Appear commonly on the pressure-bearing areas of the soles and can be painful and interfere with walking. Because pressure forces them deep into the dermis they are flat, almost circular lesions, with a rough surface and are often thick and hard due to increased keratin formation. They are contagious and walking barefoot in communal areas should be discouraged.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

  • Salicylic acid, 15 to 30%, topical liquid application.
    • Protect surrounding skin with petroleum jelly.
    • Apply daily to wart and allow to dry.
    • Occlude for 24 hours.
    • Soften lesions by soaking in warm water and remove loosened keratin by light abrasion.
    • Wash well, dry, reapply the wart paint and occlude.
    • Repeat process daily until the wart disappears.

LoEIII [20]

REFERRAL

  • No response to treatment.
  • Diabetic patients.