The 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 also affects the damaged skin mainly on the heel. It looks like an elastic and dense formation on the epidermis, which is covered with a dry crust.
Causes of warts on heels
Papillomavirus is able to infect various parts of the human body, causing proliferation of epithelial tissue. Heels are no exception. Here, as a rule, warts are formed, which are caused by HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27 andAre provoked by 57. In total, there are at least 100 strains of this pathogen in the world. It is very contagious and widespread, and therefore about 80% of the world's population are carriers of this virus.
Of all the benign growths that are localized on the heels, warts make up 1/3. It is quite easy to become infected with HPV, which causes their appearance - this virus spreads through normal contacts in everyday life, as well as in crowded places. Spread from a sick person to a healthy person in places. Using other people's personal hygiene items, walking barefoot on the floor in rooms where there are a large number of people (gyms, locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools) all these papillomasThere are ways for the virus to be transmitted.
Contrary to popular belief, it is almost impossible to get infected with HPV and get a wart on your heel on the beach. This pathogen quickly dies when dried and exposed to sunlight.
The formation of warts on the heels does not always occur immediately after infection with papillomavirus. People with strong immunity are usually not susceptible to the formation of warts and papillomas. The body's defense systems suppress the pathogen, and it does not cause any harm to health. Does not happen. But as soon as the immune system fails, which is caused by overwork, hypothermia, infectious diseases, hormonal imbalance, poor nutrition, poisoning, HPV becomes active and manifests itself in the form of skin tumors. .
In addition, there are a number of factors that accompany the appearance of warts on the heels:
- trauma to the epidermis on the heels – cracks, abrasions, scratches, cuts;
- Using poorly fitting shoes that pinch, crush, or rub the skin;
- Diseases that cause trophic changes in soft tissues - varicose veins, diabetes, atherosclerosis;
- Deformation deformities of the lower extremities – flat feet, arthritis, osteoarthritis and others;
- Excessive sweating or excessive dryness and sensitivity of the epidermis on the feet.
As a rule, if the virus is not very active and the immune system resists, warts on the heels may appear in singular. If the pathogen is very active, massive damage to the heels and feet by warts is possible.
Ways to diagnose warts on heels
Due to constant pressure on the foot and heel, warts in this area often resemble corns and calluses, so 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.
To conduct a qualitative study, a sample is taken by scraping the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The resulting scraping is sent to the laboratory. There they confirm or deny the presence of HPV.
A visual examination can also help to present a definite picture of the disease. A wart on the heel does not form any pattern of skin on its surface. In addition, you can also 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 so-called "roots" of the wart into the skin.
Differentiated 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 legs and hands.
To clarify the diagnosis, a blood test for HPV, syphilis and a general analysis are also done.
Why is it important to treat warts on heels?
Although warts on the heels are considered a fairly harmless pathology, consultation with the doctor and treatment should not be delayed. Over time, the disease may worsen. In addition, home self-medication can only suppress the external manifestations of papillomavirus infection. Additionally, the virus will persist in the blood and cause regular recurrence of warts on the body.
It is also worth remembering that a neglected wart on the heel grows and continues to grow. In addition, given the external pressure on the foot, the neoplasm grows inside the skin, and deeply affects the soft tissues. The process of compaction of the layers of the epidermis and the formation of blood clots in the capillaries begins, which manifests itself in the form of black dots on the surface of the growth. Gradually the wart on the heel begins to cause severe pain.
Treatment of warts on the heel is necessary for the following symptoms:
- severe pain in the area of growth;
- 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 danger to others, because he is a carrier of the virus. Relatives at home of such a person are at risk of infection.
Only comprehensive treatment can help to completely get rid of the pathological tumor and suppress the virus, as well as avoid recurrence.
Ways to treat warts on heels
Only 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 eliminate the tumor and the discomfort associated with it, but also to live a full life without posing a threat to others. There is an opportunity. Warts are treated with special drugs, instrumental removal methods, and sometimes you can resort to traditional medicine.
Medicines for the treatment of warts on heels
A wide range of drugs are available for the treatment of warts on the heels. They are divided into different groups according to their composition and the characteristics of their effect on the tumor and the virus that causes 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 warning effect. Salicylic acid gives good results. To remove warts on the heels, a solution with a 10-60% concentration is required. ProductsShould be applied once a day until the tumor is completely destroyed. This substance is not suitable for diabetics and cancer patients. An analog of salicylic acid is trichloroacetic acid.
- alkaline products, These substances have the same effect on pathological tissues as the previous ones. They also cauterize the wart and debride the diseased areas of the skin. The most popular drug of this group causes tissue necrosis, so its useShould be done according to and with caution with respect to adjacent healthy tissues.
- freezing medicines, Until recently, heel warts were frozen only in the hospital using liquid nitrogen. Now this procedure can be performed at home using special pharmaceutical preparations. A mixture of dimethyl alcohol and propane has proven itself well. The refrigerant is liquid nitrogen. The product helps to remove warts on the heels and has a harmful effect on the papilloma virus. The use of this medicine also requires special care so as not to damage healthy tissues.
- Antiviral Creams, Gels, Ointments, These treatments are effective because they act directly on the cause of warts – HPV. Although they often require longer exposure to tumors than is the case with aggressive cauterizing substances. One of the most effective drugs in this group is potatoIt has a herbal composition and helps to stimulate the production of interferon in the body, disrupting the recovery process of viruses and causing their rapid death.
- immunomodulatory 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 independently suppresses the virus. Interferon-based ointment is popular. Long-term useRequires - at least 4 weeks until a pronounced therapeutic effect appears.
- Tablet antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs, If the concentration of HPV in the blood is high, the doctor may prescribe a course of immunomodulatory or antiviral therapy using oral pills. This will suppress the pathogen from the inside, and prevent the risk of recurrence. This is especially important in immunodeficiency states. Is.
If local cauterizing agents can be used independently for the treatment of warts on the heels, following the instructions, then oral medications should be prescribed only by the attending physician on the basis of these tests.
Instrumental methods for removing warts on the heels
Today there are many effective ways to remove a wart on the heel using various devices. Modern clinics can offer several highly effective instrumental techniques at different costs:
- electrocoagulation, Heel warts that continue to grow for a long time usually have their roots deep in the skin. Electrocoagulation does not involve deep penetration into the soft tissues. Therefore, this method can only be used to treat small, superficial formations. In addition, electrocoagulation often leaves scars.
- cryodestruction, One of the most popular methods for removing warts on the heels is to use liquid nitrogen. In addition, it is a fairly cheap method of effect. Scars rarely remain after the manipulation. But the effectiveness of the method depends on the skill of the doctor. Depends, because before removing the wart on the heel it is necessary to accurately determine the depth of the roots of the growth. Otherwise, the tumor may recur. The operation is faster, as well as the period of tissue regeneration.
- laser removal, One of the most modern, minimally invasive methods of treating pathological skin growths. Allows you to achieve a good cosmetic effect. Unlike liquid nitrogen, the penetration depth of the laser beam can be easily adjusted. The procedure is shortAnd is virtually painless. Wounds on the heels also heal quickly and without complications. Recurrence after laser treatment of warts on the heels is almost excluded.
- radio wave removal, 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 virus from spreading to healthy tissues and bleeding. The recovery period after such an operation is also short. and there is virtually no trace.
- surgical excision, This method is considered obsolete, but it 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 can last several weeks. Bleeding and swelling are also possible. Scars often form. A relative advantage of this method of treating warts on the heels is its low cost.
The choice of how to treat a wart on the heel depends on the patient and the treating physician. Most often, the most gentle and minimally invasive techniques are selected - 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 treat it at home with some substances. Thus, acetic acid, celandine juice, garlic juice, etc. are popular among "traditional healers". . These treatments 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 interrupt the treatment until the growths have completely disappeared.
In addition, real help in the treatment of warts on the heels can be provided by immunomodulatory effects on the body using folk methods. To do this, take decoctions of the following plants: rose hips, coltsfoot, sea buckthorn, mint, Chamomile, lemon balm, blackcurrant and raspberry leaves, calendula. These plants will help boost immunity, especially in the cold season, when there is not enough fresh fruits and vegetables. Freshly squeezed juices and various fruit drinks andIt is also useful to consume compotes.
Prevention of warts on heels
Preventing human papillomavirus infection is the most effective way to deal with it. Therefore, follow the rules of personal hygiene, try not to use other people's items and always wear replaceable shoes in public places.
If you are already infected with HPV and have warts on your heels, start treating them immediately. After eliminating the growths, carefully monitor the condition of your feet.
If you have hyperhidrosis, use only shoes made of natural materials that are comfortable and breathable. If your feet are deformed, wear orthopedic shoes to take extra stress off your feet.
Do not forget about hygienic pedicure, use moisturizing creams if the skin on your heels is dry. Avoid cracked heels. Simple rules of prevention can prevent recurrence of tumors.
Warts on the heels are potentially harmless neoplasms, but they can bring considerable discomfort to the patient, because as they grow, they put pressure on the tissues and cause pain. In addition, we must not forget thatThese are viral formations, and therefore humans are a source of infection. Therefore, treatment of warts on the heels should be done only under the supervision of a doctor.