A wart on the heel is a neoplasm 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 of the heel. It looks like an elastic and dense formation of the epidermis, covered with a dry crust.
Causes of warts on the heel
The papillomavirus can infect various parts of the human body, causing the proliferation of epithelial tissue. Heels are no exception. Warts are usually formed here, which are provoked by HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27 and 57. In total, there are at least 100 strains of this pathogen in the world. It is highly contagious and widespread, with about 80% of the world's population carrying the virus.
Warts account for 1/3 of all benign growths that can be localized on the heel. It is quite easy to get infected with HPV, which causes them to appear - the virus is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through ordinary daily contacts in everyday life, as well as in places where people gather. Ways of transmission of the papillomavirus include using other people's personal hygiene products, walking barefoot on the floor in places where there are many people (gyms, locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools).
Contrary to popular belief, it is almost impossible to get infected with HPV and "earn" a wart on the heel at the beach. This pathogen dies quickly when dried and exposed to sunlight.
Warts on the heel are not always formed immediately after infection with the papilloma virus. People with strong immunity are usually not susceptible to the formation of warts and papillomas. The body's defense systems suppress the pathogen, which does not cause health damage. However, as soon as the immune system breaks down, which happens due to overwork, hypothermia, infectious diseases, hormonal imbalance, malnutrition, poisoning, HPV can become active and manifest as skin tumors.
In addition, there are several factors that accompany the appearance of warts on the heel:
- Injury to the epidermis on the heel - cracks, scratches, scrapes, cuts;
- Using ill-fitting shoes that compress, crush or rub the skin;
- Diseases causing trophic changes in soft tissues - varicose veins, diabetes, atherosclerosis;
- Deformative pathologies of the lower limbs - flat feet, arthritis, arthrosis, etc. ;
- Excessive sweating or excessive dryness and sensitivity of the epidermis of the feet.
Usually, if the virus is not too active and the immune system resists, warts on the heel can appear singularly. If the causative agent is very active, extensive damage to the heels and feet with warts is possible.
Methods of diagnosing warts on the heel
Due to the constant pressure of the foot and heel, warts in this area often become very similar to corns and calluses. Therefore, it is not so easy to recognize them. An exceptional dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis and distinguish the growth from other pathologies. This is usually done through a procedure called dermatoscopy.
For a qualitative test, the stratum corneum of the epidermis is scraped off and a sample is taken. The obtained scratch is sent to the laboratory. There they confirm or deny the presence of HPV.
A visual examination can also help to get a clear picture of the disease. When there is a wart on the heel, there is no skin pattern on its surface. In addition, you may see blackheads. These are traces of clogged capillaries.
If necessary, an ultrasound examination is prescribed, which helps to determine the depth of penetration of the so-called "roots" of warts into the skin.
Differential diagnosis of tumors on the heel is necessary in the following cases:
- the presence of oncological lesions in the patient;
- Foot deformities of various etiologies;
- Reiter's syndrome, which can provoke the development of keratoderma;
- Syphilis, which can cause painful ring-shaped growths on the feet and hands.
To clarify the diagnosis, a blood test for HPV, syphilis and general analysis is 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 external manifestations of papilloma virus infection. At the same time, the virus will remain in the blood and regularly cause warts on the body.
It is also worth remembering that an ingrown wart on the heel progresses and its growth continues. In addition, depending on the external pressure of the foot, the neoplasm grows in the skin, affecting the soft tissues more and more deeply. This causes the process of densification of the epidermal layers and the formation of blood clots in the capillaries, which appear in the form of dark dots on the surface of the growth. Gradually, the wart on the heel begins to cause severe pain.
Treatment of a wart on the heel is necessary in the presence of the following symptoms:
- severe pain in the growth area;
- Rapid growth of the wart and damage to new areas of the heel;
- Discomfort when walking and supporting the leg.
It should also be remembered that a patient infected with HPV poses a threat to those around him because he is a carrier of the virus. Relatives of such a person are at risk of infection at home.
Only comprehensive treatment can help to completely get rid of pathological tumors and suppress the virus, as well as prevent relapses.
Ways to treat warts on the heel
For those who do not know how to get rid of warts on the heel, only combined therapy will help. It is an opportunity not only to remove 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 methods of removal, sometimes traditional medicine can also be used.
Medicines to treat warts on the heel
There are many medications available to treat warts on the heel. They are divided into different groups according to the composition and characteristics of the effect on the tumor and the virus that caused the disease.
Let's look at the main groups of funds:
- Acidic substances. These drugs are sold in pharmacies without a prescription and are usually inexpensive. They have a pronounced cauterizing effect. Salicylic acid gives good results. To remove warts on the heel, a 10-60% concentration solution is needed. The product should be applied 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 approximately the same effect on pathological tissues as the previous ones. They also soften the wart and cause the death of diseased areas of the dermis. The most popular drug in this group causes tissue necrosis, so it should be used according to the instructions and carefully, taking into account the adjacent healthy tissues.
- Cold medicines. Until recently, heel warts were only frozen in a hospital setting using liquid nitrogen. Now this procedure can be done at home using special pharmaceutical preparations. A mixture of dimethyl alcohol and propane worked. The refrigerant is liquid nitrogen. The product helps to remove warts on the heel and has a harmful effect on the papillomavirus. The use of this drug also requires special care so as not to damage healthy tissues.
- Antiviral creams, gels, ointments. These tools are effective because they directly affect the cause of warts - HPV. Although a longer effect on the tumor is usually required than in the case of aggressive cauterizing agents. One of the most effective drugs of this group is an ointment made from the extract of potato shoots. It has a herbal composition and helps stimulate the production of interferon in the body, disrupts the recovery process of viruses and causes their rapid death.
- Immunomodulating external agents. They are quite effective when it comes to single small warts on the heels. They help stimulate the local immune response, and the body suppresses the virus on its own. Interferon-based ointment is popular. Long-term use is required - at least 4 weeks before a pronounced therapeutic effect appears.
- Antiviral and immunomodulating drugs in tablets. If the concentration of HPV in the blood is high, the doctor may prescribe a course of immunomodulating or antiviral treatment with oral tablets. In this way, you will suppress the pathogen from the inside and avoid the risk of relapse. This is especially important in immunodeficiency states.
If local cauterizing substances can be self-treated for warts on the heel, following the instructions, oral drugs should be prescribed only by the attending physician based on these studies.
Instrumental methods of removing warts on heels
Today, there are several effective ways to remove a wart on the heel using various devices. Modern clinics can offer a number of very effective instrumental methods, the price of which varies:
- Electrocoagulation. Heel warts that have progressed for a long time usually have roots deep into the dermis. Electrocoagulation does not involve deep penetration into soft tissues. Therefore, only small, superficial formations are treated with this method. In addition, electrocoagulation often leaves scars.
- Cryodestruction. One of the most popular ways to remove warts on the heel is using liquid nitrogen. In addition, it is a relatively cheap method of influence. Scars rarely remain after manipulation. However, the effectiveness of the method depends on the skill of the doctor, because before removing the wart on the heel, it is necessary to accurately determine the depth of the roots of the growth. Otherwise, tumor recurrence may occur. The operation is quick, as is the tissue regeneration period.
- Laser removal. One of the most modern, minimally invasive methods of treating pathological skin growths. Allows 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. Also, the wound on the heel heals quickly and without complications. Relapses after laser treatment of warts on the heel are almost excluded.
- Removal of radio waves. In this case, the warts are cut out with a special radio knife. At the same time, the blood vessels are cauterized to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy tissues and bleeding. After such an operation, there is also a short recovery period and there are practically no scars.
- Surgical excision. This method is considered outdated, but is used in many 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 may last several weeks. Bleeding and inflammation are also possible. Scars are often formed. The relative advantage of this method of treating warts on the heel is the low cost.
How to treat a wart on the heel is chosen by the patient and the attending physician. Most often, the gentlest and minimally invasive methods are chosen - laser and radio wave removal of growths.
Folk remedies for warts on heels
If you have a wart on your heel and you don't know what to do, you can try to treat it with certain products at home. Thus, acetic acid, fireweed juice, garlic juice, etc. are popular among "traditional healers". These measures 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 stop the treatment until the growth is completelywill not disappear.
Also, real help in the treatment of warts on the heel can be provided by the immunomodulating effect on the body using folk methods. To do this, take decoctions of the following plants: rose hips, sea buckthorn, sea buckthorn, mint, chamomile, lemon balm, black currant and raspberry leaves, calendula. These plants will help to strengthen immunity, especially in cold weather, when fresh fruits and vegetables are not enough. It is also useful to consume freshly squeezed juices and various fruit drinks and compotes.
Prevention of warts on the heel
Prevention of human papilloma virus infection is the most effective way to fight it. Therefore, follow the rules of personal hygiene, try not to use other people's things and always wear changeable shoes in public places.
If you already have HPV and have warts on your heels, start treating them right away. After removing growths, carefully monitor the condition of the feet.
If you suffer from hyperhidrosis, use only comfortable and breathable shoes made of natural materials. If your feet are deformed, wear orthotic shoes to remove excess foot pressure.
Do not forget about a hygienic pedicure, use moisturizing creams if the skin on your heels is dry. Avoid cracked heels. Simple prevention rules can prevent the recurrence of tumors.
Warts on the heels are potentially harmless tumors, but they can cause great discomfort to the patient, as they press on the tissue as they grow and cause pain. In addition, we should not forget that these are viral formations, so people are a source of infection. Therefore, the treatment of warts on the heels must be done under the supervision of a doctor.