If you’ve ever had a plantar wart, you know how stubborn and uncomfortable they can be. These small growths on the bottom of the foot are caused by a common virus (HPV) that thrives in warm, moist environments — like locker rooms, pool decks, and gym showers. While many people try to treat them at home with over-the-counter products or freezing kits, those methods often cause pain and rarely eliminate the wart completely.
AtIllinois Foot and Ankle Center, we take a different approach. We offer Cantharidin wart treatments — a highly effective, pain-free option that doesn’t involve harsh freezing or cutting.
Why We Don’t Freeze Warts
Traditional wart treatments, like cryotherapy (freezing), can be quite painful. The liquid nitrogen used can cause burning, blistering, and lingering soreness that makes walking difficult — especially when the wart is on the sole of the foot. In children and adults alike, freezing treatments often need to be repeated several times, and even then, the wart can return.
That’s why our clinic avoids cryotherapy and other painful methods. We want our patients to get results without discomfort or downtime.
What Is Cantharidin?
Cantharidin is a medical-grade topical solution that’s applied directly to the wart in the office. It works by gently lifting the wart away from the surrounding skin, allowing the body to naturally shed the infected tissue over the next few days. Most patients describe the process as completely painless during application.
After treatment, the area may form a small blister — this is normal and part of the healing process. The blistered skin then sloughs off, often taking the entire wart with it. Most patients only need a few visits for complete clearance.
The Benefits of Cantharidin Wart Treatment
- Pain-Free: No freezing, cutting, or needles required.
- Highly Effective: Targets the root of the wart virus for lasting results.
- Quick Appointment: The treatment takes just minutes in the office.
- Safe for All Ages: Especially well-tolerated by children and those with sensitive feet.
- Minimal Downtime: You can walk out and go about your day immediately.
Ready to Get Rid of Your Plantar Warts?
You don’t have to live with painful, stubborn warts. Our gentle, medical-grade Cantharidin treatment helps remove plantar warts quickly and comfortably — without the burning pain of freezing.
If you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments without success, we can help.
Call Illinois Foot or Ankle Center today or book an appointment online to get started on pain-free wart removal.