WARTS AND VERRUCAS

Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This causes an excess of a substance called keratin to develop in the top layer of skin, resulting in a hard, rough lump. Most people will have warts at some point in their life. They’re generally harmless and tend to go away on their own eventually, but this can take months or even years. Warts come in all shapes and sizes. They can spread in any part of the body, but are more common on the hands and feet. They tend to be:

• round or oval-shaped (although some are long and thin)
• are usually firm and raised
• have a rough, irregular surface similar to a cauliflower (although some are smooth)
• vary in size, from less than 1mm to more than 1cm across
• can appear on their own or in a group

Verrucas are a type of wart that affect the bottom of the feet. They varies in shape and sizes and commonly found on the hands and feet. They tend to:

• develop on the soles of the feet
• are white, often with a black dot in the centre
• tend to be flat rather than raised
• can be painful if they’re on a weight-bearing part of the foot

It can be difficult to tell warts apart from other skin conditions, such as skin tags, molesor actinic keratosis.

Treatments for warts and verrucas

Most warts and verrucas will eventually clear up without treatment. But if you find it uncomfortable or embarrasing, there are several treatments you can try to help get rid of warts and verrucas more quickly.

Pharmacy treatments may include burning the top layer of affected skin by using creams, gels, skin paints and medicated plasters containing salicylic acid. Another one is by freezing the wart by using cold sprays containing dimethyl ether propane also known as liquid nitrogen. But, this will take a number of sessions and can be painful. It can also sometimes lead to blistering, infection and scarring.

Applying duct tape to a wart or verucca is not recommended. There’s not enough evidence that this works.

If the pharmacy treatment didn’t work out, you may consult a skin doctor or dermatologist for specialist treatments such as a minor operation, laser therapy or stronger creams.

Preventing warts and verrucas

The following measures can help stop the spreading of warts and verrucas on the different part of your body:

• avoid touching other people’s warts – wash your hands after touching your own wart
• avoid sharing towels, flannels, shoes and socks with other people
• keep your feet and hands clean and dry
• change your socks every day
• don’t go barefoot in public places
• cover warts and verrucas with a waterproof plaster or a verruca sock when swimming
• avoid scratching or picking at warts or verrucas – this may spread the infection to other parts of your body
• take care when shaving because warts can spread if you cut yourself