Plantar warts are small and will grow on the heels or other areas of your feet that are often put to pressure. Whereby the pressured area will form a thick and hard layer of skin, causing plantar warts to grow inward beneath this skin. Because of this, skin lesions may appear.
Plantar warts are caused by HPV. The virus enters your body through tiny cuts, breaks or other weak spots on the bottom of your feet.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. In most cases, it affects areas that have had exposure to the sun. This is such as your back, legs, arms and face. That said, it can also affect some 'hidden' areas such as the soles of your feet, palms of your hands, eyes, intestines and fingernail beds.
A common sign of melanoma is abnormal changes in an unusual mole. These abnormalities can include:
- Colour: normal moles have a uniform colour (tan, brown, or black) whereas an unusual mole can have an uneven distribution of colours. The colour may also change over time.
- Shape: most normal moles are oval or round. If you see an asymmetric mole, it might be best to visit your doctor
- Diameter: moles that are a sign of melanoma tends to be big and is actively growing over time
Do see your dermatologist soon for a full assessment and treatment. In the case of plantar warts, active treatment is recommended as viral warts may increase in size and may spread to other areas and may also infect other people. For melanoma, the chances of recovery are much higher and less invasive in the early stages.
