Warts are skin growths caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). They can develop at any age, but most often they are seen in children and younger age group. Warts are of different types, one such type of wart is called mosaic wart. It is a type of plantar wart which forms in clusters.
Mosaic warts are painful and they feel like pebbles in shoes. Probably because of their appearance they are called mosaic warts. Since the virus is contagious, mosaic warts like any other warts can spread from one area to another or from one person to another through contact. Mosaic wart can disappear on their own without any treatment. Generally people seek treatment due to pain and discomfort particularly when they in clusters.
What Causes Mosaic Warts On Feet?
Mosaic warts are caused by a strain of virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV1). This virus enters into the body through cuts and bruises in the skin; the most vulnerable site is foot which is often dry and cracked. HPV1 virus can stay in wet areas for months without any host.
Walking bare foot in wet areas of swimming pool, public showers, locker room of gyms, increases the risk of infection. Mosaic warts sometimes also occur on the fingers and hand. Warts can spread from direct skin contact with other person having warts or if you scratch a wart the virus may spread to other site.
You are more likely to develop warts if your immune system is weak or if you are taking any immune suppressing medicine.
Symptoms Of Mosaic Warts
Warts are thick growths on the surface of skin. Mosaic warts are flat growths usually present on the sole. They develop in clusters side by side of each other. Since they are on the sole, constant pressure can make the warts painful. Mosaic warts often grow inwards due to pressure produced by walking.
Small portion is visible on the surface of foot. On its surface there is a small black dot. Probably because of its smooth surface and tiny dark spots which appear similar to mosaic, they are called mosaic warts. Sometimes if the area is rubbed extensively it can bleed.
Treatment Options For Mosaic Warts
Mosaic warts many times disappear on their own without any treatment especially in children; however in adults they are more stubborn. There are several ways to remove them with prescription and non prescription drugs. Other methods usually used are cryotherapy. In this method plantar warts are freezed with liquid nitrogen. They can also be removed surgically.
An easy method to remove mosaic wart is with the use of duct tape. Apply the tape over the wart and keep it for five days. Remove the tape and soak the area in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. Once the wart becomes soft rub it with pumice stone or an emory board. Repeat the process many times. It may take two to three months before the wart is completely removed from its root.
Homeopathic medicine Thuja is an effective cure for warts. Apply mother tincture of Thuja on the wart regularly two to three times in a day. After few weeks the wart disappears.