Verrucae

What Is a Verruca and Is It Contagious? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a small, rough growth that typically appears on the foot.  These growths are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions.

HPV infects the skin. These include HPV types 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, and others. They are often responsible for common warts, plantar warts (verrucas), and flat warts. But for foot purposes we will be focusing on HPV type 1, 2 and 4 which are commonly associated with plantar warts/Foot verruca.

Verrucae Features

The appearance of a verruca can sometimes be mistaken for other foot conditions, such as corns or calluses. However, verrucas tend to be more tender when squeezed from the sides, whereas corns and calluses are generally painful when direct pressure is applied.

They can be singular on there own or part of a mosiac group of multiple lesions.

A part of the verrucae process they also grow callus over the top, which can be painful, and also makes topical treatments which are applied at home more diffiuclt to treat with, as callus prevents the topical treatment coming into contact with the verruca. 

Are Verrucas Contagious? Debunking the Myths

Yes, verrucas are contagious.  However, verrucae is like bacteria and is around everywhere so it is almost impossible to prevent yourself coming into contact with the virus. This virus can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as floors of communal showers or swimming pools. But the new evidence shows you are just as likely to catch the verruca in your home in slippers as much as you are walking barefoot around a busy swimming pool. 

SO WALKING AROUND BAREFOOT SWIMMING MAY OR MAY NOT BE THE PLACE WHERE YOU CAUGHT THE VERRUCA! 

Another common misconception is that verrucas can only affect those with poor hygiene. This isn’t true; anyone can contract a verruca regardless of their hygiene habits. You can however go someway to protect yourself from the virus yourself which involves simple measures like keeping your feet clean and dry, and not touching, scratching or picking at any existing warts since this behaviour can facilitate the spread of the virus to other parts of your body or to others. 

Facts About Verrucas: What You Need to Know

• Verrucae are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

• They often appear as small growths, usually on the foot.

• Verrucae can be painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking, due to the callus formation.

• 60% of verrucas resolve on their own within two years

• The incubation period for verrucas can range from a few weeks to over a year making it impossible to know where you where exposed to the virus

Can children get verrucas more easily than adults?

Yes, children can indeed get verrucas more easily than adults. This is primarily because young immune systems are still developing and are not as adept at fighting off infections, including the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes verrucas.

It’s also worth noting that a whopping three out of four people will develop a wart at some time in their lives. For most, this happens before the age of 20. So, while it’s more common for children to get verrucas, it's an experience shared by the majority of the population at some point. 

What are the most effective treatments for verruca

Several treatment options are available for addressing verruca, varying in effectiveness based on the size, location, If its is painful or not and persistence of the verruca. For many individuals, over-the-counter remedies such as salicylic acid preparations can be effective. These treatments work by gradually peeling away the infected skin. Additionally, cryotherapy, which involves freezing the verruca with liquid nitrogen, is a popular and often effective method provided by healthcare professionals. This process causes the wart to blister and eventually fall off. 

Cryotherapy and Salicylic acid are according to the evidence around 30-50% successful

Not that high considering the these two treatments are often used within podiatry on a regular basis

With these two treatments it is necessary to see a podiatrist once every few weeks to remove the hard skin over the verruca to allow the acid to come into contact with the verruca

These treatments also require multiple treatments over 3 months possibly making these treatments an inconvenience

Verruca Needling

Verruca needling is 70-80% successful requiring one treatment

WE ARE PROUD TO OFFER THIS TREATMENT AT DUNFORD HEALTH

You can read more about verruca needling below by clicking the link

Swift Microwave Treatment

Another option for the treatment of verruca is Swift microwave treatment

According to the evidence the success rate is around 70%

Swift has recently gained popularity. This method, known as Swift, utilises microwave energy to target the verruca. The treatment is typically fast, often taking just a few seconds per session. It involves minimal discomfort and helps to stimulate the body's immune response to attack the verruca virus. Most Swift treatments are performed over several sessions, spaced a few weeks apart.