Many households adopt a no-shoe policy, citing that it could possibly serve hygienic benefits. Professor of epidemiology Stephen S. Morse from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University states that mud, dirt, bacteria, and viruses like E.coli and influenza can be distributed throughout the house through the sole of your shoe.
However, carpets and wet surfaces harbor fungi and viruses as well, with fungi the most responsible for causing athlete’s foot while viruses are guilty for causing plantar warts.
Additionally, Morse believes the risk of catching anything is actually very low; and enforcing a shoe-free policy is not worth the hassle. He states the opposite, that dirt can be very good for you, “The Hygiene Hypothesis says that one of the reasons why we see asthma and allergies is because the immune system isn't being kept busy with fighting off the bad guys.”
Plantar warts can cause excessive pain and be a gateway to bigger conditions. If you have plantar warts, schedule an appointment with podiatrist Dr. Andrew H. Cohen of the Diabetic Foot Center of Mid Michigan. Dr. Cohen can treat your plantar warts as well as other foot and ankle conditions you may be experiencing.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly on the heels or balls of the feet. Some symptoms include:
-Some pain while standing
-Tenderness in the foot’s sole
-Cosmetic discomfort (embarrassment)
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or a biopsy.
Several methods for treating plantar warts exist. They include:
-Freezing
-Electric tool removal
-Laser Treatment
-Topical Creams (prescription only)
-Over the counter medications
-Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
To avoid plantar warts, refrain from walking barefoot in public areas and avoid direct contact with warts.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Saginaw and Essexville, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Read more about Plantar Warts.