Warts, Plantar was found in 5-Minute Clinical Consult which helps you diagnose, treat, and follow up on over 900 medical conditions seen in everyday practice.
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Basics
Description
- Form of cutaneous wart caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Appears as discrete/grouped firm keratotic masses on the plantar surface of the foot, usually at pressure points such as the heel, forefoot, or under toes
- System(s) affected: Skin; Exocrine
- Synonym(s): Verruca plantaris
Epidemiology
Incidence
- In the US: Widespread: Estimated 2% of population
- Predominant age: Any age, although more common in children and young adults
- Predominant sex: Female > Male (slightly)
Prevalence
Cutaneous warts are estimated to occur in ~7–10% of the population.
Risk Factors
- Immunosuppression, including HIV/AIDS, lymphomas, use of immunosuppressive drugs
- Use of public facilities while barefoot, such as gyms and swimming pools
- Previous wart infection
General Prevention
- Use rubber footwear in communal shower areas.
- Once infected, maintain proper foot hygiene (see “Patient Education”).
Etiology
- Infection with HPV, a double-stranded DNA virus, results in proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes.
- Most common cause is HPV subtypes 1, 2, 4, 27, and 57
- Transmitted by direct person-to-person contact or via fomites
- Minor trauma to the skin and maceration may facilitate transmission of the virus to basal keratinocytes.
- Autoinoculation can occur.
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