What could cause a wound on the leg to last for two years?

Question

Hello doctor,

My brother is so worried about some wounds on his leg. I am not sure what they are. They have been in his leg for two years and did not go away. He told me that it did not hurt. I am attaching a picture. What are they, and will surgery help?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the images attached to you (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It looks like plantar warts. It will not go off by itself. They are best dealt with radio cautery, which is a simple office-based surgery with a cautery machine or by laser. It is a superficial procedure that would be performed by your dermatologist, and only local anesthesia is required.

Wear soft footwear as they are formed due to local pressure.
Salicylic and lactic acid-based lotions can be used topically.

Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take medicine with consent.

Thank you.