Warts are stubborn skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can appear anywhere on the body and can commonly appear on the soles of the foot. While harmless, they can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and painful especially when they grow on the bottom of the foot.
Treating plantar warts is important for several reasons including managing pain, preventing the spread of HPV, avoiding complications and allowing for improved mobility and function. Most plantar warts will eventually clear on their own as your immune system recognizes and fights the virus, but this can take months or even years. Treatment speeds up this process and addresses the pain and inconvenience in the meantime.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Salicylic Acid Products
- Available as gels, pads, or liquids (examples include Compound W, Dr Scholl’s or Duofilm)
- Apply daily after soaking and filing the wart
- Success rate: 30-35%
- Takes 1-3 months of consistent application
Freezing Treatments
- Home cryotherapy kits (examples: Compound W Freeze O, Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away)
- Less effective than professional cryotherapy
Professional Medical Treatments
Cryotherapy
- Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
- May require multiple treatments (2-4 weeks apart)
- Success rate: 30-60%
- More effective than OTC freezing products
SWIFT Microwave Therapy
- Uses focused microwave energy to heat wart tissue
- Stimulates immune response to target HPV-infected cells
- Higher Success rate of 60-86% (higher in those completing treatment) compared to other treatment modalities
- Usually requires 2-3 treatments, 4-8 weeks apart
- Less painful than many alternatives with minimal side effects
- According to the 2023 study by Gupta et al. published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology:
– 86.4% success rate among patients who completed their full treatment course
– Average of 2.3 treatment sessions required for complete clearance
– Significant reduction in pain scores after treatment
Below is a before and after picture of a patient at District Foot & Ankle following SWIFT microwave therapy treatment:
Laser Treatment
- Pulsed-dye or CO2 lasers destroy wart blood vessels
- Good for resistant warts
- Requires multiple treatments
- Can be painful and expensive
Chemical Treatments
- Cantharadin: “Beetle juice” creates blister under wart
- Trichloroacetic acid: Chemical peel for the wart
- Bleomycin: Injected medication usually indicated for resistant warts
Electrosurgery and Curettage
- Burning and scraping away wart tissue
- Good for larger or resistant warts
- Requires local anesthesia
- Risk of scarring
Immunotherapy
- Stimulates immune system to fight the virus
- Methods include topical imiquimod or injections
- Good for multiple or resistant warts
Best Practices for Faster Results
- Start treatment early when warts are small
- Combine treatments (e.g., salicylic acid with occlusion)
- Boost your immune system through a healthy lifestyle
- Keep wart site clean and dry
- Don’t pick or scratch at warts (can spread virus)
- Follow treatment instructions consistently
- Consult a healthcare provider for persistent or painful warts
Remember that warts can sometimes resolve on their own, especially in children, but treatment typically speeds up this process. For the quickest results, professional medical treatments like SWIFT microwave therapy or cryotherapy generally work faster than home treatments.
At District Foot & Ankle we are one of the only practices in the Northern Virginia area to offer SWIFT microwave therapy as a treatment option for plantar warts. Schedule an appointment today!