how far can a wart go on a foot
A wart on the foot, also known as a plantar wart, can vary in its depth and spread. In general, a wart can grow up to 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) in diameter, but in some cases, it can be larger.
If left untreated, a plantar wart can:
- Grow deeper: A wart can grow deeper into the skin, potentially reaching the dermal layer, which is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis (the outermost layer). In severe cases, it can even reach the subcutaneous tissue, which is the layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the skin.
- Spread to other areas: Warts can spread to other areas of the foot or even to other parts of the body through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal care items.
- Form clusters: Multiple warts can form in a cluster, which is known as a mosaic wart.
- Become painful: As the wart grows, it can put pressure on surrounding skin and underlying tissues, leading to pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking.
In rare cases, if a wart is left untreated for an extended period, it can lead to more serious complications, such as:
- Secondary bacterial infections: Bacteria can infect the wart, leading to increased redness, swelling, and pus.
- Scarring: Repeatedly removing or treating a wart can lead to scarring.
- Nerve damage: A large or deep wart can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or pain.
It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Increasing pain or discomfort
- Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
- Changes in the appearance or color of the wart
- Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus
- Failure of the wart to respond to treatment
A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or podiatrist, can diagnose and treat a wart on the foot. Treatment options may include topical creams, cryotherapy, or surgical removal.
