What Causes Skin Tags on the Feet and How to Treat Them

The causes of skin growths on the feet are varied, and mainly include viral infections (such as common warts or plantar warts caused by the human papillomavirus) and abnormal skin proliferation (such as corns). Common warts and plantar warts are usually transmitted through direct skin contact and present as rough papules or flat nodules on the skin, accompanied by pain. Corns, on the other hand, result from prolonged pressure or friction, leading to skin keratinization. Regarding treatment, different approaches can be adopted depending on the severity of the condition. For smaller growths, topical treatments such as corn plasters, high-concentration urea cream, or salicylic acid ointment can be used to soften and remove them. For larger growths or cases unresponsive to medication, physical therapies such as laser treatment, electrocautery, or cryotherapy may be chosen to remove the growths. Additionally, maintaining foot hygiene, wearing breathable and comfortable shoes, and avoiding prolonged friction are also important preventive and treatment measures for skin growths on the feet.