Nursing Interventions for Plantar Warts

  • Review the patient’s daily regimen and recommend the following: daily soaking of the foot in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, drying of the area, debridement of hyperkeratotic tissue with an emery board or pumice stone, topical application of salicylic acid, and occlusion by either a bandage or duct tape.
  • Administer salicylic acid and other medications as ordered.
  • Inform patients that plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus that infects their skin, and resolution of these warts may take months to years.
  • Explain to patients that multiple modalities exist for treating plantar warts and management may require a combination before resolution of lesions.
  • Educate patients regarding the variety of treatment modalities, and emphasis should be placed on the importance of continuing treatment plans and attending follow-up appointments.
  • Encourage patients to wear proper foot coverings like shower shoes or sandals when walking through dirty ground surfaces and to avoid any direct skin contact if possible.
  • Discuss proper foot hygiene especially when walking through public restrooms or locker rooms.
  • Any item that has come into contact with a plantar wart (for example, a sock or towel) should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and soap to prevent transmission.

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