Treating plantar warts: formation, treatment and supportive care
What causes warts?
Warts are in most cases benign skin lesions caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). In podiatry practice, they frequently occur on the feet, particularly on the soles or around the toes, but can also appear on the hands or other parts of the body. Infection occurs when the virus penetrates minute lesions in healthy skin cells. The incubation period can range from several weeks to months between infection and the first clinically visible manifestation. In some cases, the infection stays subclinical, meaning that no clearly visible skin lesions occur.
Indirect routes of transmission are particularly relevant. These include contaminated surfaces in warm, damp environments such as swimming pools, saunas or communal showers. Walking barefoot on potentially contaminated floors, for example in hotels or busy public facilities, also poses a possible risk of infection. Transmission can also occur via direct skin contact, such as when shaking hands.
In the context of podiatric treatment, a rigorous hygiene protocol is of key importance in order to prevent the further spread of HPV and to protect patients as effectively as possible.
Effective treatment of warts thanks to cell protection and cell repair
In many cases, the body’s own immune system delivers the ability to fight off the viruses and cause the warts to disappear. It is therefore important to boost and strengthen the immune system. Particularly, healthy skin cells should be protected against infection from existing wart lesions to prevent the condition from spreading further. A true marvel of nature in this regard is the spirulina algae, which has existed for 3.6 billion years. So it is one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Without its especially special defence mechanisms against natural enemies such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, it would hardly have survived to this day. It benefits from its extraordinary abilities in cell protection and accelerated cell repair. It is precisely these properties – defence against fungi and viruses, cell protection and accelerated cell repair – that can be of great benefit to skin cells.
How does the microalgae do this?
Special sugar molecules (polysaccharides) protect healthy skin cells from viral invasion. This is because viruses can only replicate if they enter healthy skin cells, turn them into host cells and then multiply. Spirulina algae also defends itself extremely effectively against attacks by fungi and bacteria. Among other things, its own enzymes play a role in this defence.
Effective treatment of warts thanks to cell protection and cell repair
- Targeted strengthening of the immune system thanks to a balanced, vitamin-rich diet, regular motion in the fresh air along with adequate restful sleep.
- Following the professional removal of calluses at a podiatry practice, hygiene actions should be strictly adhered to; for example, towels should be used on a one-to-one basis only.
- Always dry your feet thoroughly and completely after washing, paying particular attention to the spaces between the toes. Moisture contributes to the survival and spread of viruses.
- Clothing and textiles that have come into contact with affected areas of skin following treatment should be washed at a minimum temperature of 60 °C to ensure effective germ reduction.
- As part of supportive care, it is recommended to use a suitable product regularly to protect healthy skin from further viral spread, such as the peclavus PODOmed AntiVERUX skin cream. The directions should be followed consistently and in accordance with the recommendations.
- Warts should not be scratched, as infected skin flakes can spread to surrounding areas and cause new lesions there. Mechanical manipulation must therefore be avoided at all costs.
- The use of pumice stones or similar tools for self-treatment of calluses in the area of warts should be avoided, as this can lead to the formation of micro-injuries that contribute to the spread of the infection.
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