Warts and Verrucae: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Warts and verrucae are common skin conditions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be both painful and frustrating to manage, but with the right treatment, they can be effectively treated and prevented.

What Are Warts and Verrucae?

Warts and verrucae are common skin conditions caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). While they are usually harmless, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable, especially when they appear on sensitive areas like the soles of the feet. This article covers the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention of these conditions, providing valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and the general public.

Difference Between Warts and Verrucae

• Warts: Small, rough skin growths caused by HPV. They typically appear on the hands, fingers, and other parts of the body.
• Verrucae (Plantar Warts): Warts that develop on the soles of the feet. These can be painful due to the pressure applied when walking.

Types of Warts:

1. 1. Common Warts: Rough, raised growths typically found on the hands and fingers.
   2. Plantar Warts (Verrucae): Found on the feet, often painful due to pressure.
   3. Flat Warts: Smaller, smoother warts that appear on the face, neck, or hands.
   4. Filiform Warts: Thin, finger-like warts that usually develop around the eyes or mouth.
   5. 

           Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

      Periungual Warts: Warts found around or under fingernails and toenails.

      

                                  Types of Warts

                     Periungual Warts

 Causes of Warts and Verrucae

Both conditions are caused by different strains of the HPV virus, which enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions. Because HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, it easily spreads via skin-to-skin contact or through contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors, and shoes. As a result, the virus can rapidly transfer from one individual to another in these environments.

Risk Factors:

• Children and Adolescents: More prone to warts due to weaker immune defenses.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with compromised immunity are at higher risk.
• Walking Barefoot in Public Spaces: Common areas like swimming pools, showers, and gyms are high-risk locations for spreading verrucae.

Symptoms of Warts and Verrucae

• Warts: Small, rough, painless bumps that may appear singly or in clusters.
• Verrucae: Flat, painful growths on the soles of the feet. They often have a small black dot in the center, indicating blood vessels.

When to See a Doctor:

• The wart or verruca changes in color, bleeds, or becomes painful.
• Over-the-counter treatments fail to work after a few months.
• The number of warts increases or they spread to other areas.

Diagnosing Warts and Verrucae

Warts and verrucae can often be diagnosed through a simple visual examination. In rare cases, a healthcare provider may perform a biopsy to rule out other skin conditions if the growth looks unusual.

Treatment Options for Warts and Verrucae

Over-the-Counter Treatments:

Mechanism of action (MOA) of Salicylic Acid Action:

• Salicylic acid, which is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), works by penetrating deep into the skin and dissolving the material that clogs pores, such as dead skin cells and oils. It effectively loosens the bonds holding skin cells together, therefore allowing the outer layer to shed more easily. As a result, this deep cleaning reduces pore blockages and inflammation, which in turn helps the skin renew itself more effectively.

• Mechanism of action (MOA) of  Lactic Acid Action:

• Lactic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), primarily targets the skin’s surface. It works by breaking down the proteins that hold dead cells together, thus making it easier to remove them. Consequently, this surface-level exfoliation reveals fresh skin cells, therefore creating a smoother texture and helping the skin retain moisture, which, in turn, boosts hydration.

Professional Treatments:

Cryotherapy:

• It involves freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen. This treatment can be done at a dermatologist’s office or at home with over-the-counter products like Scholl™ Verruca & Wart Removal System: A popular brand offering cryotherapy kits for home use.
• Laser Therapy: For persistent warts that do not respond to topical treatments or cryotherapy, laser therapy can be an option. This procedure uses a laser to destroy the wart tissue. It is typically used for more severe or widespread cases.
• Surgical Removal: For persistent or painful warts, surgical excision might be necessary.

Home Remedies for Warts and Verrucae

• Duct Tape Therapy: Covering the wart with duct tape for several days can suffocate it. While not scientifically proven, many people find it effective.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Applying a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy, though its success varies.

Preventing Warts and Verrucae

Preventing warts and verrucae can be challenging, but it is possible with good hygiene and preventive measures:

• Avoid Direct Contact: Do not touch or pick at warts to prevent spreading them to other parts of your body.
• Wear Footwear in Public Areas: Always wear shoes or sandals in communal areas like pools and showers.
• Keep Feet Clean and Dry: Moist environments encourage the growth of verrucae, so keeping feet dry can help.
• Don’t Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing towels, shoes, or razors with others to minimize the risk of spreading HPV.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most effective treatment for warts?

The most effective treatment depends on the severity of the wart. In most cases, common over-the-counter treatments, such as salicylic acid and cryotherapy kits, are effective. However, for more severe warts, it may be necessary to seek professional care, where options like laser therapy or dermatologist-administered cryotherapy could be required.

2.  How are verrucae caused?

Yes, warts and verrucae can disappear without treatment, but it may take months or even years, depending on the person’s immune response.

4. Are warts contagious?

Yes, both warts and verrucae are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.

4. What is the best treatment for verrucae?

For most people, salicylic acid and cryotherapy are effective treatments, but persistent cases may require professional treatment such as laser therapy or surgical removal.

5. Can home remedies like duct tape work?

Some people find success with home remedies like duct tape therapy, but these methods are not guaranteed. Medical treatments tend to be more reliable.

Key Takeaways:

1. Warts are rough, small skin growths caused by HPV.
2. Verrucae are warts found on the soles of the feet and can be painful.
3. Treatment options range from over-the-counter remedies to professional cryotherapy and laser treatment.
4. Prevention involves good hygiene and avoiding direct contact in public spaces.
5. Salicylic acid products, like Bazuka™ Extra Strength and Occlusal®, are excellent first-line treatments for warts and verrucae.
6. For quicker results, cryotherapy using Scholl™ Freeze can help freeze off warts in as little as one treatment.
7. Persistent warts may need laser therapy or professional cryotherapy for complete removal.

• References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Retrieved from CDC Website
  2. NHS. (n.d.). Warts and verrucas. Retrieved from NHS Website

• Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on individual health needs.