Plantar warts: I always seem to be getting calluses on my feet which I remove by filing.
But a new one has developed and when I tried to remove it, it started to bleed. It's now very sore and I'm beginning to think it's not a callus after all.
A callus is simply a thickening of the skin caused by repeated friction or pressure.
Commonly seen on the soles of the feet or toes, they can develop anywhere on the body that is exposed to repeated pressure. Individuals who kneel regularly as part of their occupation often develop them on their knees, while manual workers can get them on their hands.
When you remove the hard skin that forms the callus the skin underneath should look normal. But if it starts to bleed, then it's usually an indication that it is something else.
So, what is it?
It sound like a plantar wart, which is basically a wart that has been pressed into the sole of the foot by your body's weight.
It is caused by a viral infection which you most likely picked up at a swimming pool or from some other public place while walking barefoot.
It is particularly common in young children and teenagers.
The wart can be quite painful even before you start poking at it and it may feel as if there is a small stone in your shoe digging into your foot when you walk.
When pared down, small bleeding points are exposed.
What can I use to treat the wart?
Treating plantar warts can be a long and difficult process using over-the-counter products.
By far the best way to deal with them is to seek professional help either from your doctor or a qualified chiropodist.
The wart can be destroyed by a variety of methods including freezing with liquid nitrogen, chemical application or surgical removal.
Repeated treatments may be required to clear the problem. Until such time as the wart has been successfully removed, small pads or special cushions should be worn inside the shoe to relieve pressure.
Most importantly, remember that you too can spread the virus to others by walking around barefoot, so keep those tootsies covered until the wart has completely disappeared.