Why Are There White, Hard Spots on the Bottom of My Feet?

If you notice white, hard spots on the bottom of your feet, they are generally indicative of plantar warts caused by human papillomavirus infection, also known as common warts. There are various reasons for their occurrence, including self-inoculation through minor abrasions, which can be contagious and lead to their proliferation. However, they pose relatively low harm to the body and can be treated through methods such as cryotherapy and laser therapy. Let's briefly delve into this topic.

Section 1: Causes and Considerations of White Hard Spots on the Bottom of Feet

The white hard spots on the bottom of the feet are considered to be caused by plantar warts, which are skin growths resulting from a viral infection. They commonly occur on the soles of the feet and can be multiple. It is recommended to rest and reduce activity, soak your feet in warm water daily, and apply topical medications such as retinoic acid cream and interferon cream. If there is no improvement after a month, cryotherapy may be considered.

Section 2: Pathogenesis and Etiology

In traditional Chinese medicine, plantar warts are often attributed to imbalances in qi and blood, improper closure of pores, invasion of external pathogens, and stagnation of qi and blood due to pressure and friction on the feet. Modern medicine attributes plantar warts to the human papillomavirus (HPV), a type of common wart. Transmission occurs through direct contact, including self-inoculation. Trauma, weakened cellular immune function, or defects can also contribute to their development. HPV can be directly inoculated and transmitted through minor abrasions on the skin, leading to an increase in lesions. The daily stress and friction from shoes on the feet can exacerbate the condition, making treatment more challenging.

Section 3: Clinical Manifestations

1. The affected area may be painful or asymptomatic.

2. The lesions appear as circular, papillated, keratotic proliferations surrounded by thickened keratin rings. When the surface keratin layer is removed, a loose, keratinous core is visible, along with small black dots caused by extravasated and clotted capillaries.

3. Plantar warts commonly occur on the heels, metatarsal heads, or areas of pressure between the metatarsals.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.