I've had a plantar wart for several years, and there's only one—what should I do?

Plantar warts that have persisted for several years with only a single lesion remaining can be managed through local medication, physical removal, immune enhancement, avoiding local irritation, and consistent proper care. Although the condition has not spread, proactive intervention is still necessary to prevent worsening. If the plantar wart becomes increasingly painful, enlarges in size, or develops ulceration or infection, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Local Medication: Use topical agents containing ingredients such as salicylic acid or interferon, applying them directly to the wart surface according to instructions. These medications gradually erode the wart tissue. Treatment should be continued consistently until the wart completely falls off, avoiding premature discontinuation which may lead to recurrence.

2. Physical Removal: Procedures such as cryotherapy (freezing) or laser therapy can precisely and effectively remove the wart with minimal trauma. This approach is suitable for persistent, small-sized plantar warts. Proper local wound care after treatment is essential to prevent infection.

3. Immune System Support: Plantar warts are caused by viral infection, and weakened immunity can contribute to their persistence. Maintaining regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise helps strengthen the body’s immune response, aiding in natural clearance of the virus.

4. Avoid Local Irritation: Do not squeeze or scratch the wart. Wear loose, breathable footwear and socks, and avoid prolonged walking or standing that may put pressure on the wart, reducing the risk of viral spread or autoinoculation to other areas.

5. Consistent and Proper Foot Care: Soak feet in warm water daily to soften thickened skin, and regularly trim dead skin around the wart. Keep feet clean and dry, and avoid sharing shoes, socks, or foot basins with others to prevent cross-infection.

In daily life, maintain dry and well-ventilated feet, use soft and comfortable insoles to reduce pressure on the wart, avoid walking barefoot on public surfaces, and adhere strictly to the treatment plan without interruption. These measures support complete removal of the wart and help minimize the risk of recurrence.