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Patient Case: Plantar Warts

Discussion

A 28-year-old female presents to the clinic with painful growths on the soles of her feet, particularly on the heel and ball of her foot. She reports that the lesions have been present for several months, gradually increasing in size. Walking and standing for long periods have become uncomfortable, and she describes a sensation as if she is "walking on pebbles." She denies any itching, fever, or systemic symptoms.

On examination, there are multiple rough, thickened, and calloused plaques with black pinpoint dots on the pressure-bearing areas of her feet. When compressed from the sides, the lesions elicit pain. The surrounding skin shows signs of hyperkeratosis. Given the characteristic features, a diagnosis of plantar warts (verruca plantaris) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is made.

The patient is counseled on treatment options, including salicylic acid therapy, cryotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to reduce reinfection risk. She is reassured that while plantar warts can be persistent, they often resolve over time with appropriate management.

Questions
  1. What is the most likely cause of the patient’s plantar warts?
    a) Human papillomavirus (HPV)
    b) Staphylococcus aureus
    c) Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
    d) Fungal infection
  2. Which clinical feature is most characteristic of plantar warts?
    a) Painful, deep-seated lesions with black pinpoint dots on weight-bearing areas
    b) Fluid-filled vesicles that rupture and crust over
    c) Red, scaly plaques with silvery-white scales
    d) Smooth, dome-shaped lesions with central umbilication
  3. Why does the patient describe the sensation of “walking on pebbles”?
    a) The virus causes deep nerve involvement
    b) The thickened callus and wart tissue create pressure on underlying structures
    c) The lesions are filled with fluid, causing discomfort when pressed
    d) The warts are ulcerating and exposing nerve endings
  4. What is the first-line treatment for plantar warts?
    a) Oral antiviral medication
    b) Surgical excision in all cases
    c) Topical salicylic acid or cryotherapy
    d) High-dose systemic antibiotics
Reveal answers

Answers

  1. What is the most likely cause of the patient’s plantar warts?
    a) Human papillomavirus (HPV)
    b) Staphylococcus aureus
    c) Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
    d) Fungal infection
  2. Which clinical feature is most characteristic of plantar warts?
    a) Painful, deep-seated lesions with black pinpoint dots on weight-bearing areas
    b) Fluid-filled vesicles that rupture and crust over
    c) Red, scaly plaques with silvery-white scales
    d) Smooth, dome-shaped lesions with central umbilication
  3. Why does the patient describe the sensation of “walking on pebbles”?
    a) The virus causes deep nerve involvement
    b) The thickened callus and wart tissue create pressure on underlying structures
    c) The lesions are filled with fluid, causing discomfort when pressed
    d) The warts are ulcerating and exposing nerve endings
  4. What is the first-line treatment for plantar warts?
    a) Oral antiviral medication
    b) Surgical excision in all cases
    c) Topical salicylic acid or cryotherapy
    d) High-dose systemic antibiotics