Wart & Verrucas
What is a wart & verruca?
A wart is an infection in the top layer of the skin caused by the HPV virus. It is a small growth that can be found on any part of the body. Warts found on the feet are called plantar warts, these are also called verrucae/ verruca. You can easily get them from walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces. As they grow they can become uncomfortable and even spread.
Causes of warts & verrucas:
Warts and verrucae are caused by a virus that can be spread to people through contaminated surfaces or direct skin contact. Common areas for this are suspected to be around swimming pools and communal changing rooms and showers.
Symptoms of warts & verrucas:
Warts and verrucae do not always cause symptoms, however they can become painful, especially if they are under a heavy weight bearing structure. Verrucae are a small bumpy growth of hard skin often with tiny black dots. These can disappear on their own, but equally can spread and increase in size.
Diagnosing a wart & verruca:
The diagnosis of a verrucae is usually obvious on physical examination.
Prevention of warts & verrucae:
Warts and verrucae can be prevented by avoiding walking bare foot in public places, do not share towels, socks or shoes and by not picking your wart or verruca to stop it from spreading.
Treatment for verrucae and warts
Following your assessment with our podiatric team, you may have advised on one of the following treatments:
- Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen/ freezing treatment)
- Electrosurgery
- Verruca excision
Frequently asked questions
Verrucae can go in their own time, but often with time they can become bigger and even spread to other areas of the foot. This is why you should keep monitoring them and see a podiatrist.
Unfortunately there aren’t any guaranteed fast cures to remove a verruca. Ranges of treatments include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, needling and excision.
Verrucas are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
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Thoughts and advice on foot health care from the Podogo team.