Understanding Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the local soccer team was in the middle of an intense practice session. I was there to cheer on my niece, who had recently joined the under-16 team. As the players gathered for a water break, one of them, Ryan, a lively 13-year-old, approached the coach with a concerned expression.

“Coach, I think I need to sit out for a bit,” Ryan said, showing his foot. There was a small, rough growth on the sole that looked painful. “This thing hurts every time I run.”

The coach, concerned about Ryan’s performance and wellbeing, asked if I could take a look. “It’s probably a blister, right?” he asked. But as I examined it discreetly, I immediately suspected it was a plantar wart—a common condition in young athletes.

What Are Warts?

I explained to Ryan and the coach that warts are small, non-cancerous growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Plantar warts, specifically, develop on the soles of the feet and are often painful due to their location. They thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms and public showers, which are common places for young athletes to pick them up.

“They’re not serious,” I reassured Ryan, “but they can be uncomfortable, especially during activities like running or jumping.”

The Connection Between Sports and Warts

Ryan’s case was a classic example of how active lifestyles can expose individuals to warts. Studies show that athletes who frequently use communal facilities, such as showers or swimming pools, are more likely to contract HPV. The virus enters through tiny cuts or abrasions in the skin, which are common in sports activities.

“Do you remember walking barefoot in the locker room or around the pool?” I asked. Ryan nodded sheepishly. “That’s probably where you picked this up.”

Identifying Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are easy to identify due to their unique characteristics:

• They often appear as small, rough patches on the soles of the feet.
• Black dots, caused by clotted blood vessels, are visible inside the wart.
• They can cause pain when pressure is applied, like when walking or running.

As Ryan nodded in recognition, I could see his relief at finally understanding what was causing his discomfort.

Preventing Warts in Sports Settings

The coach, always proactive about his team’s health, asked about prevention strategies. I shared some practical tips:

• Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal areas.
• Keep feet clean and dry, especially after practice.
• Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes.
• Regularly check feet for cuts or abrasions and cover them with bandages.

These precautions not only help prevent warts but also reduce the risk of other skin infections like athlete’s foot.

Managing and Treating Warts

When Ryan’s mom came to pick him up, we discussed treatment options:

• Over-the-Counter Solutions: These include salicylic acid products, which can be applied to the wart to gradually dissolve it.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen is a quick and effective option, though it may require multiple sessions.
• Home Remedies: Soaking the foot in warm water and gently filing the wart with a pumice stone can help reduce discomfort.

I also advised Ryan to avoid picking at the wart, as this could spread the virus to other areas of his body or to his teammates.

A Lesson in Team Health

Two weeks later, I returned to another practice session, and Ryan ran up to me, grinning. “It’s almost gone, Dr. Priya!” he said proudly. His mom had started the treatment we discussed, and it was already showing results.

The coach had also implemented new team rules: mandatory flip-flops in the locker room and a hygiene checklist for every player. It was heartening to see how a small health concern had turned into a valuable lesson for the entire team.

FAQs About Warts