Lee’s Summit Podiatrist Dr. Joel Foster Exposes the Biggest Myths About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts can be unsightly and uncomfortable, so it's no wonder there is a lot of misinformation surrounding their treatment. Here, Lee’s Summit podiatrist Dr. Joel Foster takes a look at some of the most widespread myths about plantar wart treatment to set the record straight.
Myth #1: You Can Get Rid of Plantar Warts by Putting Duct Tape on Them
One of the most widely circulated myths about plantar wart treatment suggests that covering a plantar wart with duct tape will somehow miraculously make it go away by depriving it of air and causing it to suffocate. In reality, plantar warts have nothing to do with air exposure. Plantar warts are caused by a strain of the HPV virus, living in the epidermal tissue. They are very vascular and get their oxygen through the bloodstream. Therefore, covering a wart with tape does not affect its oxygen supply. That is why this method has little to no benefit.
Myth #2: Applying Vinegar Can Cure Plantar Warts
Home remedies often suggest using apple cider vinegar to treat plantar warts. The theory is that the acidic nature of vinegar will help break down and remove the wart tissue. However, this approach fails to address the root cause—the HPV virus infection under the skin. Vinegar may potentially help remove some surface layers, but it cannot penetrate deep enough to tackle the virus itself.
Myth #3: Banana Peels Can Get Rid of Plantar Warts
Another widespread home remedy myth claims that placing a piece of banana peel, inside facing down, over a plantar wart can help remove it. The reasoning is that enzymes and other compounds in the banana peel will somehow break down the wart tissue. In reality, there is no scientific evidence that banana peels have any effect on plantar wart removal whatsoever. The wart virus residing beneath the surface of the skin is completely unaffected by the chemicals in a banana peel.
Myth #4: A Plantar Wart Will Eventually Go Away on Its Own if Left Alone
There are reported cases of resolution without treatment, but these are almost always in children with a very healthy immune system. For most, this is a potentially dangerous myth to believe, as it can allow a minor plantar wart to develop into a much larger issue. Many plantar warts will persist indefinitely if left untreated, potentially growing larger, spreading to other areas, and becoming increasingly painful and disruptive. Getting professional treatment at our Lee’s Summit podiatry office is the wisest approach.
Myth #5: It’s Too Expensive to Go to a Podiatrist to Treat Your Plantar Warts
We often see patients who have let minor concerns become more serious issues because they have no health insurance or a high-deductible plan that leaves them with unexpected bills. That’s why we’ve adopted a direct-pay model that puts decision-making power back in the hands of our patients. We post a clear price list to help you understand the cost of a podiatrist visit and keep our prices lower than traditional insurance-based podiatry offices because we don't have the administrative overhead associated with processing insurance claims.
Myth #6: Plantar Wart Treatment by a Podiatrist Requires Surgery
While traditional excisional surgery or laser surgical procedures are an option, these usually result in painful wounds and blistering of the skin. Thankfully, there’s a better alternative. Our office uses Swift Microwave Therapy, which is completely non-invasive and does not cause post-procedural pain.
Chase Cookson, a 40-year-old college professor from Gladstone, is one of many people we’ve helped put a stop to stubborn plantar warts. Thanks to Swift Microwave Therapy, he is now able to stand upright without experiencing pain in his foot. “Dr. Foster is a miracle worker. He's truly changed the quality of my life, and I don't know how to thank him and his team. I cried in his office when he told me that the wart was gone,” Cookson said.
You can learn more about our services and the quality of care we provide by visiting the testimonials section of our website.