Warts and Verrucae: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Warts and Verrucae

Warts and verrucae are small, benign growths on the skin caused by HPV. They occur on hands, feet, and face, causing discomfort but are harmless. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Applying over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or cryotherapy kits can help. Keep the area clean and avoid scratching or picking at the warts to prevent spreading.

Recommended Avoidances

Direct contact with warts, whether from someone else or from one part of your body to another, can spread the infection. Additionally, walking barefoot in warm, moist environments can increase exposure to the virus that causes warts.

Prevention Tips

Preventing the spread of warts includes regular handwashing, avoiding direct contact with warts, and refraining from using the same emery board, pumice stone, or nail clipper on affected areas as you do on healthy skin and nails.

Condition 101

Warts and verrucae are small, benign growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They most commonly occur on hands, feet, and the facial area, often causing discomfort but are generally harmless.

Small, firm, grainy bumps on the skin
Rough or "cauliflower-like" appearance
Black pinpoints (clotted blood vessels)
Pain or tenderness when they're on areas you press or walk on
Warts and verrucae are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the body through an area of broken skin and then forms the growth.
Age, especially children and young adults
Weakened immune systems
Skin damage
When a wart or verruca becomes painful or bleeds
If they spread or multiply despite home treatment
When the growth changes its appearance or colour
If the wart or verruca interferes with activities

Diagnosis involves a visual inspection. Sometimes, a skin biopsy may be conducted. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that doctors might scrape off the top layer of the wart if it isn't obvious to reveal the dark, pinpoint dots — clotted blood vessels.
Spread of warts
Formation of new warts
Mild pain
Rarely, a change in skin colour
Warts and verrucae are not cancerous. They do not indicate poor personal hygiene.
Common conditions to differentiate from warts and verrucae include corns, calluses, skin tags, and certain types of skin cance

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Warts and Verrucae, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Salicylic acid
Cryotherapy kits
Silver nitrate
Formaldehyde solution

Prescription strength salicylic acid
Cryotherapy (freezing)
Minor surgery or laser treatment
Immune therapy

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