Warts on the heel are neoplasms that can cause great discomfort to the patient. The growth is formed under the influence of the papillomavirus, and also mainly affects the damaged skin on the heel. It looks like an elastic and dense formation on the epidermis, covered with a dry crust.
Causes of warts on heels
Papillomavirus is able to infect various parts of the human body, causing the proliferation of epithelial tissue. Heels are no exception. Here, as a rule, warts are formed, which are provoked by HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27 and 57. In total, there are at least 100 types of this pathogen in the world. It is highly contagious and widespread, and therefore about 80% of the world's population is a carrier of this virus.
Of all benign growths that can be localized on the heel, warts make up 1/3. It is quite easy to get infected with HPV, which causes their appearance - the virus is spread from sick people to healthy people as a result of normal daily contact in everyday life, as well as in crowded places. Using other people's personal hygiene items, walking barefoot on the floor in a room with a large number of people (gym, locker room, sauna, swimming pool) are all ways to transmit the papilloma virus.
Contrary to popular belief, it is almost impossible to contract HPV and "get" a wart on your heel at the beach. This pathogen quickly dies when dried and exposed to sunlight.
The formation of warts on the heel does not always occur immediately after papillomavirus infection. People with strong immunity are usually not prone to the formation of warts and papillomas. The body's defense system suppresses pathogens, and it does not cause harm to health. But as soon as the immune system fails, which happens with overwork, hypothermia, infectious diseases, hormonal imbalance, poor nutrition, poisoning, HPV can become active and manifest itself as a skin tumor.
In addition, there are several factors that accompany the appearance of warts on the heel:
- Traumatization of the epidermis on the heel - cracks, abrasions, scratches, wounds;
- Using inappropriate footwear that pinches, crushes or rubs the skin;
- Diseases that cause trophic changes in soft tissue - varicose veins, diabetes, atherosclerosis;
- Deformation pathology of the lower part of the foot - flat feet, arthritis, osteoarthritis and others;
- Excessive sweating or excessive dryness and epidermal sensitivity of the feet.
As a rule, if the virus is not too active and the immune system resists, warts on the heel may appear in a single form. If the pathogen is very active, major damage to the heels and feet by warts is possible.
Methods for diagnosing warts on the heel
Due to the constant pressure on the feet and heels, warts in this area often become very similar to corns and calluses. Therefore, they are not so easy to identify. An exceptional dermatologist is able to establish an accurate diagnosis and distinguish the growth from other pathologies. To do this, a procedure called dermatoscopy is most often performed.
To conduct a qualitative study, the stratum corneum of the epidermis is scraped and a sample is taken. The resulting scrapings are sent to the laboratory. There they confirm or deny the presence of HPV.
A visual examination can also help gather a definitive picture of the disease. With warts on the heel, there is no skin pattern on the surface. In addition, you can see black spots. This is the effect of clogged capillaries.
If necessary, an ultrasound examination is prescribed, which helps to establish the depth of penetration of the so-called "root" of the wart deep into the skin.
Differential diagnosis of tumor on the heel is required in the following cases:
- The presence of oncological lesions in patients;
- Leg deformities of various etiologies;
- Reiter's syndrome, which can trigger the development of keratoderma;
- Syphilis, which can cause painful ring-shaped growths to form on the feet and hands.
To clarify the diagnosis, blood tests for HPV, syphilis and general analysis are also performed.
Why is it important to treat warts on the heel?
Although warts on the heel are considered a relatively harmless pathology, consultation with a doctor and treatment should not be delayed. Over time, the disease may worsen. In addition, self-medication at home can only suppress the external manifestations of papillomavirus infection. At the same time, the virus will persist in the blood and cause warts to recur periodically on the body.
It should also be remembered that neglected warts on the heel develop and continue to grow. Moreover, given the external pressure on the feet, neoplasms grow in the skin, affecting the soft tissues deeper and deeper. This causes the process of compaction of the epidermal layer and the formation of blood clots in the capillaries, which manifests itself in the form of dark dots on the growth surface. Gradually, warts on the heel begin to cause severe pain.
Treatment of warts on the heel is necessary for the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the growth area;
- Rapid growth of warts and damage to the new area of the heel;
- Discomfort when walking and supporting the legs.
It should also be remembered that a patient infected with HPV poses a threat to others, because he is a carrier of the virus. Relatives of such people are at risk of infection at home.
Only comprehensive treatment can help completely get rid of pathological tumors and suppress the virus, as well as prevent relapse.
Ways to treat warts on the heel
Only combined therapy will help those who do not know how to get rid of warts on the heel. This is an opportunity not only to eliminate the tumor and the discomfort associated with it, but also to live a full life without posing a threat to others. Warts are treated with special drugs, instrumental removal methods, and sometimes you can use traditional medicine.
Medicines to treat warts on the heel
There are a variety of medications available to treat heel warts. They are divided into different groups according to the composition and characteristics of their effect on tumors and viruses that cause the disease.
Let's take a look at the main fund groups:
- Acidic substances. This medicine is available in pharmacies without a prescription and is usually inexpensive. They have a clear cauterizing effect. Salicylic acid gives good results. To get rid of warts on the heel, a solution of 10-60% concentration is needed. The product should be used once a day until the tumor is completely destroyed. This material is not suitable for diabetics and cancer patients. An analogue of salicylic acid is trichloroacetic acid.
- Alkaline products. These substances have more or less the same effect on pathological tissue as the previous ones. They also burn the warts and cause the diseased dermis area to die. The most popular drug from this group causes tissue necrosis, so it must be used according to the instructions and carefully in contact with adjacent healthy tissue.
- Frozen drug. Until recently, heel warts were only frozen in hospital conditions using liquid nitrogen. Now this procedure can be carried out at home using special pharmaceutical preparations. A mixture of dimethyl alcohol and propane has proven itself well. The refrigerant is liquid nitrogen. This product helps get rid of warts on the heel and has a negative effect on the papilloma virus. The use of this drug also requires special care so as not to cause damage to healthy tissue.
- Antiviral creams, gels, ointments. These drugs are effective because they act directly on the cause of warts - HPV. Although most often a longer exposure to the tumor is required than in the case of aggressive cauterization materials. One of the most effective drugs in this group is an ointment based on an extract from potato shoots. It has a herbal composition and helps stimulate the production of interferon in the body, disrupting the recovery process of viruses, and causing their rapid death.
- External immunomodulatory agents. They are quite effective when it comes to a single small wart on the heel. They help stimulate the local immune response and the body independently suppresses the virus. Interferon-based ointments are popular. Long-term application is required - at least 4 weeks until a clear therapeutic effect appears.
- Tablets of antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs. If the concentration of HPV in the blood is high, the doctor may prescribe a course of immunomodulatory or antiviral therapy using oral tablets. This will block the pathogen from the inside, avoiding the risk of recurrence. This is especially important in immunocompromised conditions.
If local cauterization agents can be used independently to treat warts on the heel, according to the instructions, then oral drugs should only be prescribed by the attending physician based on this test.
An instrumental method to remove warts on the heel
Today there are several effective ways to get rid of warts on the heel using various devices. Modern clinics can offer several highly effective instrumental techniques at different costs:
- Electrocoagulation. Heel warts that have been growing for a long time usually have roots deep into the dermis. Electrocoagulation does not involve deep penetration into soft tissue. Therefore, this method is used only to treat small and superficial formations. Also, electrocoagulation often leaves scars.
- Cryodestruction. One of the most popular methods to get rid of warts on the heel is to use liquid nitrogen. In addition, this is a relatively inexpensive method of influence. Scars rarely remain after manipulation. But the effectiveness of the method depends on the skill of the doctor, because it is necessary to accurately determine the depth of the root of the growth before removing the wart on the heel. Otherwise, tumor recurrence may occur. The surgery is fast, as is the tissue regeneration period.
- Laser removal. One of the most modern, minimally invasive methods to treat pathological skin growth. Allows you to achieve a good cosmetic effect. The penetration depth of the laser beam can be easily adjusted, unlike liquid nitrogen. The procedure is short and almost painless. Heel wounds also heal quickly and without complications. Recurrence after laser treatment of warts on the heel is almost excluded.
- Removal of radio waves. In this case, the wart is cut with a special radio knife. At the same time, blood vessels are burned to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy tissue and bleeding. After such an operation there is also a short recovery period and almost no scars.
- Surgical removal. This method is considered obsolete, but is used in some cases. For example, when the growth is very large and further histological examination of the removed tissue is required. The operation is quite painful, performed under local anesthesia, and the recovery period can last several weeks. Bleeding and inflammation are also possible. Scars often form. The relative advantage of this method of treating warts on the heel is its low cost.
The choice of how to treat warts on the heel rests with the patient and the attending physician. Often, the most gentle and minimally invasive techniques are chosen - laser and radio wave removal of the growth.
Folk remedies for warts on the heel
If you have a wart on your heel and you don't know what to do, then you can try to treat it with some ingredients at home. Therefore, acetic acid, celandine juice, garlic juice, etc. are popular among "traditional healers. "These drugs are less effective than pharmaceutical drugs or instrumental methods. However, with regular use they can also have a positive effect. The main condition is not to interrupt the treatment until the growth is completely gone.
Also, real help in the treatment of warts on the heel can be provided by the immunomodulatory effect on the body using folk methods. To do this, take a decoction of the following plants: rose hip, coltsfoot, sea buckthorn, mint, chamomile, lemon balm, black currant and raspberry leaves, calendula. This plant will help improve immunity, especially in cold weather, when fresh fruits and vegetables are not enough. It is also useful to take freshly squeezed juices and various fruit drinks and compotes.
Prevention of warts on the heel
Preventing human papillomavirus infection is the most effective way to combat it. Therefore, follow the rules of personal hygiene, try not to use other people's objects and always wear shoes that can be changed in public places.
If you have been infected with HPV and have a wart on your heel, start treating it right away. After removing the growth, carefully monitor the condition of your feet.
If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, use only shoes made of natural materials that are comfortable and breathable. If your feet are deformed, wear orthopedic shoes to take excess pressure off your feet.
Do not forget about a clean pedicure, use a moisturizing cream if the skin of your heels is dry. Avoid developing cracked heels. Simple preventive rules can prevent tumor recurrence.
Warts on the heel are potentially harmless neoplasms, but they can bring great discomfort to the patient, because, as they grow, they put pressure on the tissue and cause pain. In addition, we must not forget that this is the formation of a virus, and therefore humans are the source of infection. Therefore, the treatment of warts on the heel must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.