Mosaic warts, also known as plantar warts, are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear on the soles of the feet, heels, and toes, and it's estimated that nearly 10% of the population is affected by them at any given time.
Mosaic warts are caused by HPV, which enters the body through tiny cuts or abrasions on the skin. Once inside the body, the virus can cause the skin cells to grow abnormally, leading to the development of warts.
Mosaic warts typically appear as rough, raised bumps on the soles of the feet. They can range in size from a pinhead to a quarter, and may be surrounded by tiny black dots. These dots are actually small blood vessels that have grown into the wart and supply it with blood.
Mosaic warts can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, or with prescribed medications from a dermatologist. Some common treatments include:
- Salicylic acid: This is an acid that is applied to the wart to remove the top layer of skin.
- Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to kill the virus.
- Laser therapy: Laser treatment uses intense beams of light to burn the wart tissue.
- Excision: This involves cutting the wart out of the skin with a surgical scalpel.
The best way to prevent mosaic warts is to avoid direct contact with HPV. This can be done by:
- Wearing shoes or sandals in public areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas.
- Not sharing towels, socks, or shoes with others.
Q: Are mosaic warts contagious?
A: Yes. Mosaic warts are caused by a virus and can be spread from person to person through direct contact.
Q: Can mosaic warts be painful?
A: Yes. Because mosaic warts appear on weight-bearing areas of the feet, they can be very painful, especially when standing or walking.
Q: How long does it take for mosaic warts to go away?
A: Mosaic warts can take several weeks or months to go away, even with treatment. This is because the virus can live in the skin for a long time, even after the wart is gone.
Q: Can mosaic warts come back after treatment?
A: Yes. There is always a chance that a mosaic wart can come back after treatment, especially if the virus is still present in the body. It's important to take steps to prevent reinfection.
