10 wart and verruca facts

Key Points

• Warts and verrucas are common viral infections caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• They can occur anywhere on the body, but verrucas are specifically found on the soles of the feet
• Diagnosis is typically clinical, with confirmation via dermoscopy or biopsy if necessary
• Treatment options include watchful waiting (they usually go away on their own eventually), topical treatments, cryotherapy, and surgical removal
• Prevention involves avoiding skin-to-skin contact and maintaining good foot hygiene.

• Common warts (verruca vulgaris): typically found on hands and fingers
• Plantar warts (verruca plantaris): found on the soles of the feet
• Flat warts (verruca plana): typically found on face, arms, and legs
• Genital warts (condyloma acuminatum): found on genital and perianal areas
• Mosaic warts: multiple small warts clustered together

• Warts are common, affecting up to 20% of schoolchildren and 10% of adults
• Verrucas affect up to 10% of the general population
• Warts are more common in individuals with weakened immune systems.

• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual
• Sharing personal items (e.g. towels, socks)
• Walking barefoot in public areas
• Weakened immune system (e.g. HIV, immunosuppressive therapy)
• Certain occupations (e.g. healthcare workers, athletes)

• Warts and verrucas are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• There are over 100 strains of HPV, with certain strains more commonly associated with specific types of warts.

5. Symptoms

• Warts are small, rough, or smooth growths on the skin
• Warts may be usually flesh-coloured, but can be white, pink, or brown

Typical warts

Typical verrucas

• Verrucas may cause pain or discomfort, especially when pressure is applied
• Surrounding skin may become calloused or inflamed

6. Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is typically clinical, based on visual examination. Dermoscopy or biopsy may be used to confirm diagnosis if necessary.

• Dermoscopy: to examine the lesion in detail
• Biopsy: to confirm diagnosis or rule out other conditions
• HPV typing: not typically necessary for diagnosis, but may be used in research or specific cases.

• Calluses or corns
• Moles or melanoma
• Seborrhoeic keratoses
• Skin tags
• Molluscum contagiosum.

• Watchful waiting: most warts resolve spontaneously within 2 years
• Topical treatments: salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or imiquimod cream
• Cryotherapy: liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart
• Surgical removal: curettage or excision
• Laser therapy: for persistent or multiple warts

• If you experience pain or discomfort
• If you have a weakened immune system
• If you notice changes in the size, shape, or colour of the wart
• If you have difficulty walking due to a verruca.

• Persistent or recurrent warts
• Spread to other areas of the body
• Transmission to others
• Scarring or skin pigmentation changes

• Most warts resolve spontaneously within 2 years
• Treatment can be effective, but recurrence is possible
• Some warts may persist or require ongoing treatment.

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals
• Wear shoes in public areas (e.g. swimming pools, gyms)
• Maintain good foot hygiene
• Avoid sharing personal items
• Consider using condoms to reduce transmission of genital warts.

We have described 10 facts about warts and verrucas. We hope it has been helpful.

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Review article: Aboud, 2023