Verrucas

Verrucas, also known as plantar warts, are a type of skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are small, rough growths that appear on the soles of the feet, often causing discomfort and pain.

Causes

Verrucas are caused by the HPV virus, which is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by walking barefoot in areas where the virus is present. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or cracks, causing the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form a wart.

Symptoms

The symptoms of verrucas include:

• A small, rough growth on the sole of the foot, often with a cauliflower-like appearance
• Pain or discomfort when walking or standing, especially if the verruca is located on a weight-bearing area
• A feeling of pressure or tenderness in the affected area
• Black dots or spots on the surface of the wart, which are actually small blood vessels that have grown into the wart
• A thickening of the skin around the wart, which can cause it to become more painful and uncomfortable

Treatments

There are several treatments available for verrucas, including:

• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen, which causes the skin cells to die and the wart to fall off.
• Salicylic acid: This is a topical treatment that can be applied directly to the wart to help dissolve the keratin protein that makes up the wart.
• Cantharidin: This is a blistering agent that can be applied to the wart to cause it to blister and eventually fall off.
• Duct tape occlusion: This involves covering the wart with duct tape for an extended period, which can help to irritate the wart and stimulate the immune system to fight it off.
• Surgical removal: In some cases, surgical removal of the wart may be necessary, especially if it is large or painful.
• Over-the-counter treatments: There are several over-the-counter treatments available for verrucas, including creams, gels, and pads that contain salicylic acid or other ingredients.

Prevention

To prevent verrucas, it is recommended to:

• Wear shoes or sandals in public areas, especially in swimming pools and locker rooms
• Avoid sharing personal care items, such as towels or razors
• Keep the feet clean and dry, and change socks regularly
• Avoid touching or scratching the wart, as this can spread the virus to other parts of the body

Complications

If left untreated, verrucas can cause several complications, including:

• Persistent pain and discomfort
• Spread of the virus to other parts of the body
• Development of secondary infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections
• Scarring or permanent damage to the skin