Childhood Diseases and Illnesses
Plantar Warts
Description/Symptoms
- Caused by a virus (human papilloma virus-HPV).
- Can appear as small, fleshy or hard sometime painful lump, often with multiple black specks in the centre; usually only found on pressure points on the soles of the feet.
- Sometimes mistaken for corns or calluses.
- Spread from person to person by close physical contact or contact with a surface that a person with a wart touches, like a bathmat or a shower floor.
- Infection often spread in community gymnasiums, swimming pools and showers.
- A tiny cut or scratch can make any area of the skin more vulnerable to warts. Also, picking at warts can spread warts to other parts of the body.
Instructions for Schools
- Does not need to be reported to Peel Health.
- Exclude from activities in which student is barefoot until warts have completely healed.
- Keep feet clean and dry. Change shoes and socks daily.
- Avoid sharing shoes and socks.
- Avoid direct contact with warts on other parts of body. Don’t pick at warts.
- Avoid direct contact with warts on other persons.
- Encourage hand washing and skin washing regularly and well.
- Have kids wear waterproof sandals or flip-flops in public showers, locker rooms, and around public pools.
Notes
- Refer to physician for diagnosis.
- Treatment available at pharmacy and physician.
Resources and related links:
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