The Human Papillomavirus and Its Role in Plantar Warts: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management

Tracey C Vlahovic; M Tariq Khan

doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2016.02.003

The Human Papillomavirus and Its Role in Plantar Warts: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management

Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2016 Jul;33(3):337-53. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2016.02.003. Epub 2016 Mar 29.

Authors

Tracey C Vlahovic¹, M Tariq Khan²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Podiatric Medicine, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 North 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Electronic address: traceyv@temple.edu.
² Marigold Clinic, The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 60 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3HR, UK; Department of Dermatology, Barts Health Trust, London, UK; EB Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, London, UK; St George Medical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Podiatric Medicine, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

PMID: 27215155
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpm.2016.02.003

Abstract

Viral warts or verruca pedis (plantar warts) are common skin conditions seen in both children and adults. Human papilloma virus (HPV), a DNA virus, is responsible for plantar verrucae. It needs an epidermal abrasion and a transiently impaired immune system to inoculate a keratinocyte. These entities are a therapeutic conundrum for many practitioners. This article discusses HPV infiltration and its subtypes involved in plantar warts; the evaluation of patients with plantar warts; and subsequent treatment options, such as laser, Candida albicans immunotherapy, topical therapy such as phytotherapy, and surgical excision.

Keywords: Candida; Laser; Marigold; Plantar verruca; Plantar wart; Retinoid.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Foot Diseases / diagnosis*
Foot Diseases / therapy*
Foot Diseases / virology
Humans
Papillomaviridae*
Warts / diagnosis*
Warts / therapy*
Warts / virology