Plantar warts are non-cancerous growths that appear on the soles of the feet, typically on weight-bearing areas like the heels or balls of the feet. They are caused by an infection with specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks. A common concern is whether they bleed upon removal. Yes, plantar warts can bleed, with the extent varying based on several factors. This article explores the reasons for bleeding and what to expect from different removal methods and subsequent care.
Why Plantar Warts Might Bleed
Plantar warts grow inward due to foot pressure and are supplied by a network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. These capillaries grow directly into the wart tissue, providing it with blood and nutrients. When a plantar wart is disrupted or removed, these embedded blood vessels can rupture, leading to bleeding. The characteristic “black dots” often seen within a plantar wart are small clotted blood vessels, evidence of this rich blood supply.
How Removal Methods Affect Bleeding
The likelihood and extent of bleeding during plantar wart removal depend significantly on the method used. Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, generally results in minimal bleeding, if any, as the treated tissue dies and eventually sloughs off. However, a blood-filled blister might form around the treated area, especially with aggressive treatments. Topical treatments, such as salicylic acid, work gradually by dissolving the wart layer by layer; these methods typically cause no active bleeding, though the underlying skin may become raw.
Surgical excision or curettage, which involves directly cutting or scraping away the wart tissue, is among the methods most likely to cause immediate bleeding due to the direct severing of blood vessels. Similarly, laser treatment, while often designed to cauterize blood vessels as it works, can still result in some bleeding or oozing. Cantharidin, a blistering agent, forms a blister under the wart that cuts off its blood supply. Bleeding can occur if this blister ruptures or if the underlying skin is disrupted during the removal of the dead tissue. If bleeding occurs during professional paring, cryotherapy might be delayed to allow for proper clotting and minimize complications.
Managing Post-Removal Bleeding and Care
If bleeding occurs after plantar wart removal, immediate steps can help manage it. Applying firm, direct pressure with a clean, dry, absorbent material like a cloth for several minutes can help stop the bleeding. Elevating the affected foot above the heart can also help reduce blood flow to the area. Avoid checking the wound frequently, as this can disrupt the clotting process.
After the bleeding has subsided, proper wound care is essential to promote healing and prevent infection. Keep the treated area clean and dry, and apply a clean bandage to protect it. Petroleum jelly can be applied to the skin around the wart to aid healing. Pain management with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be necessary, but aspirin should be avoided as it can increase bleeding. The wound will appear red and sensitive initially, and it may take several weeks for complete healing.
When to Seek Professional Advice
There are specific situations where consulting a healthcare professional for plantar warts is advisable. If bleeding is excessive or prolonged and does not stop with direct pressure, immediate medical attention is necessary. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, severe pain, pus drainage, or fever, warrant a prompt visit to a healthcare provider. Additionally, if the wart reappears after treatment, new warts develop, or self-treatment proves ineffective or causes adverse reactions, professional guidance should be sought.
Individuals with compromised immune systems or those with diabetes should always seek professional care for wart removal. These conditions can affect wound healing and increase the risk of complications, making self-treatment potentially hazardous. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures a proper diagnosis and the selection of the most appropriate and safest treatment plan.