Plantar Warts Symptoms that mean Emergency

Plantar warts are caused by a strain of humanpapillomavirus (HPV). The plantar warts symptoms vary in appearance. Sometimes the plantar warts are flat and smooth and can only be detected by either a brown or grayish yellow color. Some health professionals theorize that plantar warts appear smooth because they are actually flattened by the pressure placed on the foot. Plantar warts are observed to be found on pressure areas such as the heel and the balls.

However, there also cases when the plantar wart symptoms appear as rough, spongy or scaly lumps. The lumps are the skin cells that have been destroyed by the virus. If one takes a closer look at the lumps, tiny dark dots can be discerned. These dots are actually dead capillaries or small blood vessels. The problem with these plantar warts symptoms is that they make walking difficult and painful. With numerous bumpy plantar warts, a person may feel as if he is walking barefoot over jagged terrain.

Whether the plantar warts are flat or lumpy, these can be treated with over-the-counter treatments such as salicylic acid. Plantar wart symptoms do not normally constitute an emergency. But when the small plantar warts have fused together to form bigger ones, which are called mosaic warts, the feet may no longer withstand any weight because of the extreme pain. It is sensible to seek emergency medical care and have the warts removed.

When the plantar warts symptoms changed for the worse, it is again prudent to seek emergency medical attention. This happens when the lumps swell and bleed and the grayish color has changed into reddish. Emergency care is also needed when the small lesions have grown. This indicates that the plantar warts have an infection.

Many emergency care physicians are capable of dealing with plantar warts. They use a variety of methods such as cryotherapy and local surgery. But the patient must be aware that the plantar warts symptoms do not disappear immediately after the first treatment session. In fact, it is normal to expect that new plantar warts will appear. If the plantar warts symptoms persist after weeks of treatment, the physician may refer the patient to a dermatologist.

After treatment, the feet must be closely observed for signs of infection. If they remain tender and painful and if there is bleeding, it is assumed that there is already an infection. Again, emergency treatment is needed. If the patient develops fever, feels a burning sensation, and finds abscess in the region where the plantar warts symptoms are treated, emergency care must be sought.

Having plantar warts is not an emergency condition. But if the plantar wart symptoms worsen, then emergency treatment is required.