What is Cyrotherapy?
It is a process of rapidly freezing tissue in order to destroy skin disorders. Cyrotherapy has been used successfully in podiatry practices for over 80 years. The practice has adopted a new and very innovative solution for this established treatment. It is fast, safe and very effective.
How The CyroProbe Works
During 5-30 seconds, depending on the depth of the lesion, the CyroProbe sprays a very cold yet precise flow of nitrous oxide directly on the wart. The freezing power of the CyroProbe penetrates fast to the bottom of the lesion. That results in effective treatment with only very little discomfort. Especially with (plantar) warts the success of this treatment is unmatched.
After the treatment there might be a little residual stinging during a few minutes. Occasionally a blister might form and persists for a few hours. There are no restrictions for bathing or swimming.
Why?
There is an increasing need to remove (plantar) wars for cosmetic reasons or medical necessity for the HPV-infection to be removed. In our clinic we have adopted an innovative procedure to treat these lesions by freezing.
These are the advantages:
- Most are covered by insurance
- Our treatments are fast, safe and effective
- Most patients report only little discomfort
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are small, rough growths that develop on the bottom of the foot and are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot, where pressure can force the wart to grow inward beneath a layer of thickened skin. Although they are generally harmless, plantar warts can become painful, especially when walking or standing, because of the pressure placed on them during everyday activities.
What causes plantar warts?
Plantar warts are caused by an infection with HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks on the soles of the feet. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments such as communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pool areas. Walking barefoot in these environments increases the risk of exposure. Not everyone exposed to HPV develops warts, but individuals with weakened immune systems or frequent skin breaks are more susceptible.
What do plantar warts feel like?
Plantar warts often feel like a hard, grainy patch of skin on the bottom of the foot. Many people describe a sensation similar to standing on a small pebble or stone. The area may be tender or painful when pressure is applied, especially during walking or running. Over time, a thick callus can form over the wart, which may increase discomfort and make the condition harder to identify without professional examination.
How are plantar warts different from corns or calluses?
Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection, while corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin caused by friction or pressure. Warts may contain small black dots (clotted blood vessels), whereas corns and calluses do not. Another key difference is that plantar warts can spread to other areas of the foot or to other people, while corns and calluses are not contagious. A podiatrist can usually distinguish between these conditions during an examination.
Are plantar warts contagious?
Yes, plantar warts are contagious because they are caused by HPV. The virus can spread through direct contact or indirectly through contaminated surfaces such as floors, shoes, or socks. However, transmission is not guaranteed, as the virus requires an entry point in the skin to infect a person. Keeping feet covered in public areas and avoiding sharing footwear can help reduce the risk of spreading or contracting plantar warts.
What are the symptoms of plantar warts?
Common symptoms include a small, rough growth on the bottom of the foot, thickened skin over the affected area, and discomfort when walking or standing. Some warts may show tiny black pinpoints, which are clotted blood vessels. The surrounding skin may become hard due to pressure, and in some cases, multiple warts can form in clusters known as mosaic warts. Pain levels vary depending on the size and location of the wart.
How are plantar warts diagnosed?
A podiatrist typically diagnoses plantar warts through a physical examination of the foot. They may gently examine or pare down the thickened skin to look for characteristic signs such as small black dots beneath the surface. In some cases, additional testing may be done if the diagnosis is unclear. Because plantar warts can resemble corns or calluses, a professional assessment helps ensure the correct treatment approach is used.
What are the treatment options for plantar warts?
Treatment options range from at-home care to in-clinic procedures. Common home treatments include salicylic acid applications and over-the-counter freezing kits, which gradually remove layers of the wart over time. In clinical settings, treatments may include cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), topical medications that cause blistering, laser therapy, or immune-based treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the size, number, and persistence of the warts.
Can plantar warts go away on their own?
Yes, plantar warts can sometimes disappear without treatment as the immune system eventually clears the HPV infection. However, this process may take months or even years, especially in adults. In some cases, warts persist or spread, causing ongoing discomfort. Because of this uncertainty, many patients choose treatment to speed up recovery and reduce pain during walking or daily activities.
When should you see a podiatrist for plantar warts?
You should see a podiatrist if the wart is painful, growing, spreading, or not improving with over-the-counter treatments. Professional care is especially important if you are unsure whether the lesion is a wart, corn, or callus. Individuals with diabetes or circulation problems should seek early treatment to avoid complications. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment plan to remove the wart safely.
