Plantar warts are transmitted in humid public places, such as swimming pools or showers, through direct contact of the foot with the floor. As such, avoid walking barefoot in these places. The virus is not transmitted by pool water. Still, the water must comply with the Regulation respecting water quality in swimming pools.
Vesicatory Reaction
Cantharone PlusTM treatments almost always cause blisters to appear, which are not always painful, but can still cause some discomfort. Trichloroacetic acid treatments rarely cause blisters to appear. Post-treatment blisters result from what is known as a vesicatory reaction. In some cases, the associated pain can result in limping for two or three days, a reddening, and even a swelling that can cause pressure.
If this is the case, follow the following advice:
- Apply ice on the plantar wart for 5 minutes.
- Immerse the foot in cold water.
- Take a tablet of pain relief medication (TylenolTM or AdvilTM).
- Puncture the blister with a sterilized needle. Body pressure while walking may also cause the blister to burst.
- Use an isolation pad (as needed).
Bleomycin treatments cause deeper blisters to appear, which are generally more painful and can remain for several days, and in some cases, for up to two weeks. Application or injection of bleomycin can cause the blister to turn black or blue (as it contains blood). This change in colour does not mean the treatment was successful.