According to a new study published in the International Journal of Dermatology on January 21, intralesional immunotherapy may be more effective than traditional cryotherapy for the treatment of plantar wart lesions. Intralesional immunotherapy involves injecting an antigen into the wart itself, thereby inducing an immune response in the form of antibodies. Cryotherapy is essentially freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen. For this study, the researchers used candida as the antigen and administered treatment every three weeks until “complete improvement,” with a maximum of three sessions. The cryotherapy was performed until the wart was eliminated, with a maximum of 10 sessions. Of the 60 patients, 30 in each group, 76.7% were cured by immunotherapy and 56.7% by cryotherapy.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. LeKeisha George from Forest Hills Podiatric Medical Care. Dr. George can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Forest Hills, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.