Wart & Verrucas: Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating Them
Warts and verrucas are common skin conditions that many people encounter at some point in their lives. Despite being relatively harmless, these growths can be bothersome, unsightly, and sometimes painful. Understanding what warts and verrucas are, how they develop, and how to treat them is crucial for those affected.
What are Warts and Verrucas?
Warts: A General Overview
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus infects the outer layer of the skin, leading to the formation of a thickened, rough surface. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but common sites include the hands, feet, and face.
There are several types of warts, including:
- Common Warts: Typically found on the hands and fingers, they have a rough, raised surface.
- Flat Warts: These warts are smaller and smoother, often appearing on the face, legs, or arms.
- Filiform Warts: Often found around the mouth, eyes, and nose, they have a long, thread-like shape.
- Genital Warts: These warts appear in the genital area and are typically caused by specific strains of HPV.
Verrucas: A Subtype of Warts
Verrucas are a specific type of wart that typically appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the same HPV virus that leads to other warts but have distinct characteristics. Verrucas are also known as plantar warts, and they often develop in areas of high pressure, such as the heel or the balls of the feet. These warts can be painful, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
Causes of Warts and Verrucas
Both warts and verrucas are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
There are over 100 different types of HPV, but only some are responsible for the development of warts and verrucas.
The virus enters the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin, making it easy to contract in places like public swimming pools, gyms, or shared showers.
Transmission
Warts and verrucas are highly contagious. They can spread through:
- Direct contact with an infected person’s skin.
- Indirect contact via contaminated surfaces like floors, towels, or shoes.
- Self-inoculation, where the virus spreads from one part of the body to another through scratching or touching a wart or verruca and then touching another area of skin.
Factors That Increase Risk
- Weakened Immune System: Individuals with a weakened immune system, such as those with diabetes or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to developing warts and verrucas.
- Broken Skin: Cuts, abrasions, or any broken skin create an entry point for the virus.
- Age: Children and teenagers are particularly prone to developing warts, especially on their hands and feet.
Symptoms of Warts and Verrucas
While warts and verrucas are generally painless, they can cause discomfort in some cases, especially if they are located in high-pressure areas like the feet.
Symptoms of Warts:
- Rough, Raised Growths: Most warts have a rough, bumpy surface, though some may be smooth.
- Color Changes: Warts may vary in color from skin-toned to gray, brown, or even yellowish.
- Size and Shape: They can range from small, pinhead-sized growths to larger, more prominent warts.
- Location: Warts can appear on any part of the body but are most common on the hands, fingers, and feet.
Symptoms of Verrucas:
- Painful when Pressure is Applied: Verrucas often cause pain when standing or walking, especially if they are located on the soles of the feet.
- Black Dots: These dots, which are actually small blood vessels, are often visible at the center of verrucas.
- Hard, Thickened Skin: Verrucas often appear as hard, thick patches of skin.
Treatment Options for Warts and Verruca
While warts and verrucas often go away on their own over time, treatments are available for those who wish to speed up the healing process or alleviate symptoms.
Here are some of the most common treatment options:
Over-the-Counter Treatments
- Salicylic Acid: This is a common over-the-counter treatment that works by gradually dissolving the wart. It is available in gels, pads, or liquids.
- Freezing Kits: Over-the-counter cryotherapy kits can be used to freeze warts, similar to the treatment provided by a doctor.
Professional Treatments
For persistent or particularly bothersome warts and verrucas, it is advisable to seek professional treatment. At Podogo, we offer a range of treatments for warts and verrucas, including:
- Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart, which causes it to fall off over time.
- Electrosurgery: A small probe which gives out an electric current is held against the verruca to dry out the region, the verruca is then removed with a scalpel.
- Minor Surgery: For stubborn warts, a healthcare provider may recommend removing the wart via surgical excision.
Prevention of Warts and Verruca
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent warts and verrucas, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection:
- Avoid Direct Contact with Infected Individuals: If someone you know has a wart or verruca, avoid touching the affected area.
- Protect Broken Skin: Use bandages or other protective coverings on cuts or abrasions to prevent the virus from entering.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, and avoid sharing towels, shoes, or other personal items.
- Wear Foot Protection in Public Places: In public showers, swimming pools, and gyms, always wear flip-flops or waterproof footwear.
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FAQs
1. Are warts and verrucas contagious?
Yes, warts and verrucas are highly contagious. They can spread through direct skin contact or indirectly via contaminated surfaces.
2. How long does it take for warts and verrucas to disappear?
Warts and verrucas can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to go away on their own. Treatment options can speed up the process.
3. Can I treat warts at home?
Yes, over-the-counter treatments such as salicylic acid or freezing kits can be used to treat warts at home. However, persistent or painful warts should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
4. What is the difference between a wart and a verruca?
The main difference is location. Verrucas are warts that develop on the soles of the feet and are typically more painful due to pressure.
5. Can warts and verrucas be prevented?
While it is difficult to prevent warts entirely, good hygiene practices and protecting broken skin can help reduce the risk of infection.