Can HPV Cause Warts on Your Child’s Foot?

If you’ve observed small, new growths on the sole of your child’s foot, you don’t have to panic. Your child has probably been exposed to HPV, which is a virus that can infect the skin and develop into plantar warts. Today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA is sharing information regarding these common types of warts.

Plantar warts are typically seen in patients between the ages of 12 and 16, and the HPV virus can infect numerous areas of the body, including the soles of the feet. 

They are often spread via direct contact, most often when the patient walks barefoot in public showers. It’s important to remember that the strain of HPV that causes plantar warts do not spread to other parts of the body.

The gestation period for HPV on the bottom of the foot generally ranges from 1 to 20 months. This makes it difficult to determine when and where the virus was contracted. Once it does begin to develop, it can go undetected, as many patients don’t experience symptoms.

Because of the increased thickness of the skin on the sole of the foot, in its early stages, the infected area is often mistaken for a callus.

Warts can go away on their own, but not all of them will be resolved without treatment. OTC treatments can be tried in addition to keeping feet dry and clean to eliminate moisture. However, for warts that are have been there for a long time, or have become painful, you’ll need to see a podiatrist.

Depending on the length and severity of the infection time, there are several treatment options that can be utilized. The method used will be based on your podiatrist’s opinion and assessment of your child’s infection. Laser treatment is a very effective treatment method that is accurate, clean, and painless. 

If you think your child may have a plantar wart as a result of contact with HPV, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA today at (425) 455-0936 to schedule a consultation. Be sure to ask about our new SWIFT treatment method for warts for your child!