Warts on Your Feet? Here’s How to Get Rid of Them (For Good)

Plantar warts are like that one guest who shows up uninvited and refuses to leave. They’re painful, stubborn, and just when you think they’re gone—boom! They’re back. If you’ve ever dealt with one of these little nuisances, you know the struggle.

Let’s talk about why you get warts, how to treat them with acid, and the game-changing technology known as SWIFT therapy.

What Even is a Wart?
A plantar wart is a growth on the bottom of your foot caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Yep, it’s a virus. But before you freak out, this isn’t the same HPV you hear about in other contexts—this strain only affects the skin, specifically the feet.

The virus sneaks in through tiny cuts or cracks in your skin and sets up shop, causing thickened, rough patches of skin that can be painful when you walk. If you see black dots inside the wart, those are tiny clotted blood vessels—not "seeds" like some people think.

Warts love warm, damp places (think locker rooms, pools, public showers). If you go barefoot in these areas, you’re basically giving them a VIP pass onto your foot so always wear sandals or shoes on shared surfaces!

How to Get Rid of Warts

Option 1: Acid Treatment (Slow but Steady)

Acid works by breaking down the thick skin of the wart and irritating the area just enough to trigger your immune system to fight back.

How to use it:

First your podiatrist trims the wart and applies a strong acid in the office.
At home gently file the top layer of the wart with a pumice stone or emery board (don’t use this for anything else—warts are contagious!).
Apply salicylic acid directly on the wart.
Cover it with a bandage and let it sit.
Repeat daily for several weeks.
This method works, but it takes patience—sometimes 6–12 weeks of consistent treatment. If you slack off, the wart will laugh at your effort and stick around.

Option 2: SWIFT Therapy (The High-Tech Solution)
SWIFT therapy is the latest (and arguably the best) way to remove warts for good. This FDA-approved treatment uses microwave energy to heat up the wart and trigger your immune system to finally recognize and attack the virus.

Why SWIFT is a Game-Changer:
✅ No cutting, no freezing, no acid—just microwave energy
✅ Fast treatment (each session takes just a few minutes)
✅ Minimal pain (feels like a quick zap)
✅ Higher success rate than traditional treatments


So, Which Treatment Should You Pick?
🔹 If you’re patient and want a budget-friendly option? Try acid and be diligent.
🔹 If you want the fastest, most effective option? Go for SWIFT therapy at a podiatrist’s office.

Pro tip: No matter which method you choose, boosting your immune system helps speed up the process. Get enough sleep, manage stress, and eat a balanced diet. Your body is your best wart-fighting weapon.

Final Thoughts
Plantar warts are annoying, but they’re totally treatable. Whether you go with good old acid or invest in SWIFT therapy, the key is sticking with it until the wart is completely gone. And next time you’re at the gym or pool? Wear sandals!

Your feet will thank you.