[Guest]

Hi, I've had these very small circles appearing on the soles of my feet, but they do not protrude, they look like they are etched into my skin. They started at first scattered over a small area, such as the heel, but then they seemed to multiply until those tiny (1 to 1.5mm)circles formed clusters. Soon my entire heel, part of the ball, and big toe were covered (sole only) until it almost resembled large patches instead of numerous little "circles". Funny thing is, when my feet are wet, such as when taking a shower or swimming, these areas of my skin begin to turn white and the skin seems to retain water and puff up a little bit. When my feet are dry the affected skin feels callouse like, but smooth. The skin feels a little tougher than the arch area of my sole which very rarely gets the "circles" and has never patched up before. That area is soft, pliable, and the skin lines can be seen. Affected skin seems smooth on the surface and doesn't have the lines like finger prints that normally appear on the rest of my soles. Also, these areas seem to sweat more. When I exercise strenuosly, or any other time my feet sweat more than regularly, the areas of my sock that contact the affected skin sometimes mat down because of the excessive sweat, while other unaffected parts such as the arch area look exactly the same as when I put on the socks. That is to say, fluffy and dry, while the area that contacts the affected area is sometimes very moist and gives off a malodorous smell. Please help, I have had this problem for the past 2 years almost and I've had it before then. I always thought it was athlete's foot and treated it with ointment's, but this last time it never went away. I went to a podiatrist and he diagnosed them as plantar warts (mosaic) and he treated them with salycic acid patches which cleared them up for about 2-3 1/2 weeks, they returned. The reason I question his diagnosis is that every sight I've visited regarding plantar warts describes them as singular, protruding bumps of skin with tiny blood vessels within them, my problem on the other hand seems to be etched in the skin, and it seems as if though it eats through the skin, but actually grows outward far quicklier than inward. Again, please help me, I am so embarrassed to go swimming because my heels and bottom of big toes get white and very noticeable when my feet get wet. Thanks, J.

[Guest]

It sounds very much like mosaic plantar warts which are more diffuse and also more superficial so they can be treated easier. However, in order to be one-hundred percent positive, a biopsy would need to be taken. Since the acid worked before, the biopsy is probably not necesarry. You may just need to treat them for a longer periuod to try to prevent there reoccurrence. Have a nice day and please write back if you have any further questions.
[quote] Hi, I've had these very small circles appearing on the soles of my feet, but they do not protrude, they look like they are etched into my skin. They started at first scattered over a small area, such as the heel, but then they seemed to multiply until those tiny (1 to 1... [/quote]

[Guest]

I have read articles stating that taking 25 to 30 thousand units of vitamin A daily seems to affect the living conditions for HPV in the skin and therefore makes their environment less tolerable for the virus to survive, and therefore reduce or eliminate the plantar warts. Also, I read that changing the exterior conditions, like using an anti-perspiring agent such as foot powders to keep my feet dry will also help with my condition. My question is will a combination of direct contact acid patches, oraly taken vitamin A supplement, and using a foot powder to keep my feet dry will accelerate a total elimination of the warts? Or if I should just go with the acid patches alone. Summer's just around the corner and I want to enjoy it! Thanks Doc, J.
[quote] It sounds very much like mosaic plantar warts which are more diffuse and also more superficial so they can be treated easier. However, in order to be one-hundred percent positive, a biopsy would need to be taken... [/quote]

[Guest]

You cannot use powders and the acid at the same time. However, if you have read studies that seem scientific and valid about Vitamin A, it is your option to use this as well.
[quote] I have read articles stating that taking 25 to 30 thousand units of vitamin A daily seems to affect the living conditions for HPV in the skin and therefore makes their environment less tolerable for the virus to survive, and therefore reduce or eliminate the plantar warts. Also, I read that changing the exterior conditions, like using an anti-perspiring agent such as foot powders to keep my feet dry will also help with my condition... [/quote]