A wart on the heel is a neoplasm that can cause great discomfort to the patient. The growth is formed under the influence of papillomavirus, and it also affects 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 the heel
Papillomavirus is capable of infecting various parts of the human body, leading to the proliferation of epithelial tissue. Heels are no exception. Here, as a rule, warts are formed, which are stimulated 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, so about 80% of the world's population are carriers of this virus.
Of all the benign growths that can be localized on the heel, warts represent 1/3. It is quite easy to become infected with HPV, which is the reason for their appearance - the virus is transferred from a sick person to a healthy person as a result of normal daily contacts in everyday life, as well as in crowded places. Using other people's personal hygiene items, walking barefoot on floors in crowded rooms (gyms, locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools) are all ways to transmit the papilloma virus.
Contrary to popular belief, it is almost impossible to be infected with HPV and "earn" a wart on your heel at the beach. This pathogen dies quickly when dried and exposed to sunlight.
The formation of warts on the heel does not always occur immediately after infection with papillomavirus. People with strong immunity are usually not at risk of forming warts and papillomas. The body's defense systems suppress the pathogen, and it does not harm your health. But as soon as the immune system fails, which happens with overwork, hypothermia, infectious diseases, hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, poisoning, HPV is able to become active and manifest itself as skin tumors.
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, cuts;
- Using ill-fitting shoes that pinch, push or rub the skin;
- Diseases that cause trophic changes in soft tissues - varicose veins, diabetes, atherosclerosis;
- deforming pathologies of the lower extremities - flat feet, arthritis, osteoarthritis and others;
- Excessive sweating or excessive dryness and sensitivity of the epidermis on the feet.
Usually, if the virus is not too active and the immune system resists, warts on the heel may appear in the singular. If the pathogen is very active, warts can cause enormous damage to the heels and feet.
Methods to diagnose warts on the heel
Due to constant pressure on the foot and heel, warts in this area are often 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 differentiate the growth from other pathologies. To do this, a procedure called dermatoscopy is often performed.
For a qualitative study, the stratum corneum of the epidermis is scraped and a sample is taken. The resulting scraping is sent to the laboratory. They then confirm or deny the presence of HPV.
A visual examination can also put together a definite picture of the disease. With a wart on the heel, there is no skin pattern on its surface. In addition, you can see blackheads. These are traces of clogged capillaries.
If necessary, an ultrasound examination is prescribed, which helps to establish the depth of penetration of the "roots" of the hive deep into the skin.
A 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 stimulates the development of keratoderma;
- Syphilis, which can form painful ring-shaped growths on the legs and arms.
To clarify the diagnosis, a blood test for HPV, syphilis and a 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, home self-medication can only remove external manifestations of papillomavirus infection. At the same time, the virus will remain in the blood and will cause warts on the body over and over again.
It is also worth remembering that a neglected wart on the heel progresses and continues to grow. Moreover, given the external pressure on the leg, the neoplasm grows inside the skin, affecting the soft tissues deeper and deeper. This causes the process of compaction of the layers of the epidermis and the formation of blood clots in the capillaries, which manifests itself 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 wart on the heel is necessary for 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 is a threat to others, because he is a carrier of the virus. The relatives of such a person are at risk of infection at home.
Only a comprehensive treatment can help to completely get rid of pathological tumors and suppress the virus, as well as avoid relapses.
Ways to treat warts on the heel
One combination therapy will help those who do not know how to get rid of a wart on the heel. This is an opportunity not only to get rid of the tumor and the discomfort associated with it, but also to lead a full life without a threat to others. Warts are treated with special medications, methods of removing tools, and sometimes you can resort to traditional medicine.
Medicines to treat warts on the heel
A wide variety of medications are available to treat heel warts. They are divided into different groups according to their composition and the characteristics of their 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 available 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 solution of 10-60% concentration is needed. The product should be applied once a day until the tumor is completely destroyed. This substance is not suitable for patients with diabetes and cancer. 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 warn the vine and cause the diseased areas of the dermis to die. The most popular drug from this group causes tissue necrosis, so it must be used according to the instructions and with caution for nearby healthy tissues.
- Frozen drugs. 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 is well proven. The refrigerant is liquid nitrogen. The product helps to remove warts on the heel and has a harmful effect on the papilloma virus. The use of this drug also requires special care so as not to damage healthy tissue.
- Antiviral creams, gels, ointments. These medicines are effective because they act directly on the cause of warts - HPV. Although a longer exposure to the tumor is often necessary than with aggressive warning substances. 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 to stimulate the production of interferon in the body, interferes with the virus recovery process, and causes rapid death.
- External immune agents. They are quite effective when it comes to small individual warts on the heels. They help stimulate the local immune response and the body suppresses the virus independently. Interferon-based ointment is popular. Long-term application is necessary - for at least 4 weeks until a pronounced therapeutic effect is seen.
- Antiviral and immunomodulatory drug tablets. 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 suppress the pathogen from the inside, avoiding the risk of relapse. This is especially important in immunocompromised states.
If local irrigation agents can be used independently to treat warts on the heel, according to the instructions, then only the attending physician should prescribe oral medications based on these tests.
Instrumental methods to remove warts on the heels
Today there are several effective ways to remove a wart on the heel using different devices. Modern clinics can offer some very effective instrumental techniques with different costs:
- 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 tissue. Therefore, this method is only used to treat small, superficial formations. Also, electrocoagulation often leaves behind scars.
- Cryo-destruction. One of the most common methods of removing warts on the heel is to use liquid nitrogen. In addition, this is a relatively cheap method of influence. Scars rarely remain after manipulation. But the effectiveness of the method depends on the skill of the doctor, since it is necessary to accurately determine the depth of the roots of the growth before removing the wart on the heel. Otherwise, recurrence of the tumor may occur. The operation is quick, as is the tissue regeneration period.
- laser removal. One of the most modern, minimally invasive methods to treat pathological skin growths. It 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. The wound on the heel also 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, blood vessels are warned to avoid the spread of the virus to healthy tissues and bleeding. After such an operation there is also a short recovery period and almost no scars.
- Surgical excision. 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, it is performed under local anesthesia, and the recovery period can last several weeks. Bleeding and inflammation are also possible. Scars often form. A relative advantage of this method of treating warts on the heel is its low cost.
The choice of how to treat a wart on the heel rests with the patient and the treating physician. The gentlest and least invasive techniques are often chosen - growths are removed by laser and radio waves.
Folk remedies for warts on the heels
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 substances at home. Therefore, acetic acid, celandine juice, garlic juice, etc. are popular. among the "traditional healers. "These remedies are less effective than pharmaceutical drugs or instrumental methods. However, with regular application they can also have a positive effect. The main condition is to interrupt treatment until the growth disappears completely.
Also, real help in the treatment of warts on the heel can be provided through an immunomodulatory effect on the body using folk methods. To do this, take decoctions of the following plants: rose hips, coltsfoot, sea buckthorn, mint, chamomile, lemon balm, black currant and raspberry leaves, calendula. These plants will help to boost immunity, especially in cold weather, when there are not enough fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also useful to consume freshly squeezed juices and various fruit drinks and compotes.
Prevent warts on the heel
It is the most effective way to prevent human papillomavirus infection. Therefore, observe the rules of personal hygiene, try not to use other people's things and always wear replacement shoes in public places.
If you are already infected with HPV and have warts on your heels, start treating them immediately. After removing the growths, carefully monitor the condition of your feet.
If you have hyperhidrosis, use shoes made only of natural materials that are comfortable and breathable. If your feet are deformed, wear orthopedic shoes to relieve excess stress on your feet.
Do not forget about hygienic pedicure, use moisturizing creams if the skin on your heels is dry. Avoid developing cracked heels. Simple rules can prevent the recurrence of tumors.
Warts on the heels are harmless neoplasms, but they can cause considerable discomfort to the patient, since, as they grow, they put pressure on the tissue and provoke pain. In addition, we should not forget that these are viral formations, and therefore people are a source of infection. Therefore, treatment of warts on the heels must be done under the supervision of a doctor.