Tuesday, 21 May 2019
What Are Verrucas & How to Treat Them?
Here's the thingnobody's perfect. We've all got little hang-ups, lumps and bumps here and there. But with flip-flop/sandal weather just around the corner, at Face the Future, we are on hand to zap away those little bumps known as verrucas. Read on to find out more and discover how we treat these pesky skin bumps in clinic
What is a verruca?
Verrucas, also known as Plantar Warts, are warts found most commonly on the soles of the feet caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The virus infects cells in the skin, causing it to thicken and become coarse.Verrucas often appear as areas of flat, thicker skin with a harder edge around a softer centre. On closer examination, small black spots can be seen in the verruca. These are not “ as some people may believe “ roots in the warts, the black spots are caused by bleeding in the verruca as a result of daily activities like standing and walking.How do I know if it's a verruca or a callus?
A verruca is a viral infection, whereas a corn or callus is simply layers of dead skin. Distinguishable characteristics include:- Verrucas tend to be painful to pinch, where as corns are painful on direct palpation.
- Black dots are often seen in the lesion due to its own blood supply, corns do not.
- Verrucas can appear 'cauliflower' shaped in appearance with multiple verruca often referred to as cluster verruca (mosaic wart).
How did I get a verruca?
Warts and verrucas can spread from person to person by direct skin contact. They can also spread by contact with floors or surfaces contaminated with the virus. Although warts are contagious, it's thought that the risk of catching them is fairly low. You're more likely to get infected if your skin is damaged or wet, so infection can be linked to swimming pools and communal showers. You can also infect yourself if you scratch a wart or verruca, the viral particles may spread to other areas of your skin.You're more likely to develop warts and verrucas if you have a weakened immune system, taking months for a wart or verruca to appear after coming in contact with the virus.How do I stop it spreading?
- Wash your hands after touching a wart or verruca
- Change your socks daily if you have a verruca
- Cover warts and verrucas with a plaster when swimming
- Do not share towels, socks or shoes if you have a wart or verruca
- Do not walk barefoot in public places if you have a verruca
- Do not scratch or pick a wart or verruca
