Warts and Verrucas

Warts and verrucas are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Types of Warts

• Common warts: These are the most common type of wart and usually appear on the hands, fingers, and elbows. They are typically small, rough, and grayish-brown in color.
• Plantar warts: Also known as verrucas, these warts appear on the soles of the feet and can be painful when walking or standing. They are often flat and may have a cauliflower-like appearance.
• Flat warts: These warts are small and flat, and usually appear on the face, hands, or arms. They are often pink or light brown in color.
• Filiform warts: These warts are long and thin, and usually appear on the face, especially around the mouth, nose, and chin.

Causes and Risk Factors

Warts and verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through:

• Direct contact with an infected person
• Touching contaminated surfaces, such as towels or floors
• Sharing personal care items, such as razors or nail clippers
• Walking barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms

Symptoms

The symptoms of warts and verrucas may include:

• A small, rough growth on the skin
• Pain or discomfort when walking or standing (in the case of plantar warts)
• Itching or bleeding
• A cauliflower-like appearance (in the case of plantar warts)

Treatment Options

Treatment options for warts and verrucas may include:

• Cryotherapy: freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen
• Salicylic acid: applying a topical solution to dissolve the wart
• Cantharidin: applying a topical solution to blister the wart
• Surgical removal: cutting out the wart
• Laser therapy: using a laser to destroy the wart

Prevention

To prevent warts and verrucas, it is recommended to:

• Avoid direct contact with an infected person
• Wear shoes in public areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms
• Keep the skin clean and dry
• Avoid sharing personal care items
• Use a towel to dry the feet after showering or bathing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are warts and verrucas?
Warts and verrucas are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Are warts and verrucas contagious?
Yes, they can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

How do warts and verrucas typically appear?
They usually appear as small, hard, or flat growths on the skin, often on the hands or feet.

What is the difference between a wart and a verruca?
A verruca is a type of wart that occurs on the sole of the foot, while warts can occur anywhere on the body.

Can warts and verrucas be painful?
Verrucas can be painful, especially when walking or standing, while warts are usually painless.

How are warts and verrucas diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically based on visual examination by a healthcare professional.

What are common treatments for warts and verrucas?
Treatments include cryotherapy, salicylic acid, and duct tape occlusion, among others.

Can warts and verrucas be prevented?
Prevention measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals, keeping the skin clean and dry, and wearing protective footwear in public areas.

How long does it take for warts and verrucas to go away on their own?
They can take several months to years to resolve without treatment, or may persist indefinitely.

Are there any complications associated with warts and verrucas?
Rarely, they can lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections, or persistent discomfort.