Warts happening?

I will admit it. This may seem like an odd topic for discussion: plantar warts. I mention them today for several reasons. First, they are likely to be encountered in public gyms/showers/restrooms. Second, with the new year and New Year's resolutions in full swing, people will unfortunately have to deal with them. Third and finally, I have experience with them.

Plantar warts are benign (noncancerous) growths that occur on the sole (plantar surface), heel, or ball of the foot. Pressure from standing and walking often causes them to grow into deep layers of the skin. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes several different types of warts, which are the most common type of skin infection.

Anyone can contract the virus that causes plantar warts. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), plantar warts occur most often in children and young adults between the ages of 12 and 16. Incidence is highest in people who share common bathing areas (e.g., dormitory students, military recruits, gym members).

So, what to do about them? The standard treatment for years has been one of two methods: cryotherapy (freezing them off) and topical salicylic acid (chemically burning them off). Several studies (numbers one and two) point towards and alternative method----duct tape.

That's right, duct tape to kill your plantar wart. Sure, it's not as aggressive as salicylic acid, or as painful as liquid nitrogen or as "techie" as laser therapy, but it works.

The research shows quite well that duct tape applied and worn constantly over the affected area (read: wart) is as or more effective than any other form of therapy in killing the virus (HPV) responsible for plantar warts.

And speaking from experience, it works quite well. I caught mine after swimming at UCLA's pool a few years ago. Laser and salicylic therapies failed. Then a podiatrist friend recommended 3 weeks of duct tape therapy.....and....problem solved.

So, it's an ugly problem with an even uglier name, but it should be addressed. If you or someone you know is fighting this problem, head on down to the local hardware store for your treatment. It's cheap, effective, and will stick to darned-near-anything.