From the Guidelines
Most plantar warts will eventually clear on their own, with approximately 60% regressing within 2 years, as reported in a study published in Pediatrics in 2017 1. This spontaneous regression is attributed to the body's immune system recognizing and fighting the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes the warts. However, the time it takes for the wart to clear can vary significantly, with 30% regressing within 6 months, according to the same study 1. While waiting for possible self-resolution, it's essential to consider the potential for the wart to spread or cause discomfort. Some key points to consider for managing plantar warts include:
- Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas to prevent spreading the virus
- Keeping feet clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection
- Not picking at the wart, as this can lead to further irritation and potential scarring
- Using a separate towel for your feet to prevent spreading the virus to other body parts or people For those seeking faster and more reliable results, over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can be effective, as they help dissolve the keratin protein that makes up the wart, allowing for easier removal 1. Medical treatments like cryotherapy, stronger acids, laser therapy, or surgical removal may be necessary for stubborn or painful warts. It's crucial to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of each treatment option, considering factors such as pain, cost, and the risk of scarring, to determine the best course of action for individual cases.
From the Research
Plantar Wart Clearance
- Plantar warts are often refractory to treatment and can last for decades in adults 2
- There is no evidence to suggest that plantar warts will clear on their own, as they can persist for extended periods without treatment 3, 2, 4, 5, 6
- Various treatments have been shown to be effective in clearing plantar warts, including topical formulations of cantharidin, podophyllotoxin, and salicylic acid 3, 2, 4, 5, 6
- Cryotherapy is also a commonly used treatment, but its efficacy is lower compared to topical formulations of cantharidin, podophyllotoxin, and salicylic acid 3, 4
Treatment Efficacy
- Topical formulations of cantharidin, podophyllotoxin, and salicylic acid have been shown to have high cure rates, ranging from 95.8% to 97.82% 2, 4, 5
- Cryotherapy has a lower cure rate, ranging from 41.7% to 45.61% 3, 4
- Other treatments, such as laser therapy, intralesional bleomycin, and intralesional immunotherapy, have also been shown to be effective in clearing plantar warts 4
Treatment Safety
- Topical formulations of cantharidin, podophyllotoxin, and salicylic acid are generally safe and well-tolerated, with few adverse effects reported 2, 5, 6
- Cryotherapy can cause pain, blistering, and other side effects, but these are typically mild and temporary 3, 4
- Other treatments, such as laser therapy and intralesional bleomycin, may have more significant side effects and risks, and should be used with caution 4