Warts & Verrucas – Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Warts and verrucas are common skin conditions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus infects the top layer of skin, resulting in an overgrowth of skin cells.

They appear as small, raised growths – sometimes in clusters – and they’re typically harmless. Although, they are unsightly and some verrucas can be painful to walk on.

Warts appear on the hands, fingers, feet or sometimes, the face. Whereas verrucas, otherwise known as plantar warts, develop on the soles of the feet.

A way to tell warts and verrucas apart is by looking at the area. If the growth doesn’t develop on the feet, it’s a wart. Verrucas have a thick, rough surface, and may be spotted with black dots. Warts, meanwhile, have a cauliflower-like appearance. 

They are contagious, but thankfully, warts and verrucas usually go away on their own. However, it can take months or even years. That’s why most people opt for treatment to remove them.

The type of warts discussed in this guide aren’t to be confused with genital warts, which are a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Genital warts are also caused by HPV, but a different strain, and they can only be contracted sexually. You can find out more information about the 8 most common STIs in this guide, including genital warts.

Symptoms

Symptoms of warts

Warts typically appear as raised, rough growths on the skin. They can vary in size, from very small to larger clusters. They often have a rough, uneven surface that can resemble a cauliflower or a blister.

They can be flesh-coloured, white, pink, or slightly darker than the surrounding skin. Warts can occur on various parts of the body, including the hands, fingers, feet and face. The specific type of wart may determine its location.

While most warts are painless, they can sometimes cause discomfort if they are located in areas that experience friction or pressure.

Symptoms of verrucas

Verrucas specifically occur on the soles of the feet, especially in areas known to pressure, such as the heels and balls of the feet.

They have a thick, rough and calloused surface due to pressure from walking. They might have a central black dot, which is actually a blood vessel that has been clotted.

Verrucas can be painful, especially when walking or standing due to the pressure on the growth and the surrounding tissue. Some individuals may experience a feeling of discomfort or tenderness around the verruca.

Causes

Warts and verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of more than 100 different viruses, some of which can lead to the development of these skin growths.

The specific types of HPV that cause warts and verrucas are typically not the same types that cause other health issues, such as cervical cancer.

It's important to note that not everyone who comes into contact with the HPV virus will develop warts or verrucas. However, they are known to be very contagious.

The virus' ability to cause these growths depends on a combination of factors, including the strain of HPV, the individual's immune response and the state of the skin.

Direct contact

Direct or skin contact is the main cause of infection.

The HPV virus enters the body through tiny breaks in the skin, such as cuts or scratches. Direct contact with an infected person's skin or by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus can lead to transmission.

Activities that involve close skin-to-skin contact, such as shaking hands, can also spread the virus to others.

Weakened immune system

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with certain medical conditions or undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, are more susceptible to HPV infections and the development of warts and verrucas.

Age

Your age is also a factor. Warts are more common in children and young adults, likely because their immune systems are still developing and may not respond as effectively to the virus. However, anyone of any age can develop warts or verrucas.

Warm and moist environments

HPV thrives in warm and moist environments. Walking barefoot in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, gyms and communal showers can increase the risk of contracting the virus, especially for verrucas.

Scratching and biting

Scratching or biting at a wart or verruca can cause the virus to spread to other areas of the skin or to other people.

Diagnosis

You can diagnose warts and verrucas yourself by looking at their appearance and location. If you’re unsure, worried about them or they’re in an unusual location, you should speak to your GP or podiatrist to confirm the diagnosis.

They will look at the size, shape, colour and texture of the growths to determine if they are warts or verrucas. This visual assessment is often enough for a straightforward diagnosis, as they have distinct characteristics.

It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have warts or verrucas, especially if the growths are causing you discomfort or spreading.

Treatment

There are a range of wart and verruca treatments available. Whether you're dealing with a wart on the face or seeking effective wart removal from other areas of the body, the best treatment for you depends on many factors, like severity, area, and if it’s causing you discomfort or distress.

From over-the-counter solutions using salicylic acid to more advanced methods like cryotherapy, laser treatment and surgical removal, these treatments target the viral infection causing warts and verrucas. 

It's important to consider potential side effects and consult a healthcare professional (like a pharmacist, podiatrist or GP) to determine the most suitable approach.

Topical treatments

There are many gels and paints to treat warts and verrucas. They contain the active ingredient salicylic acid and are available in topical form.

These products will gradually soften and remove the affected dead skin layers of the growth. They require consistent application over several weeks for them to be effective.

Plasters

Medicated adhesive plasters are a common wart and verruca treatment. They can be applied over the growth to help remove it over time. These also help to prevent spreading the virus to other people. 

These plasters often contain salicylic acid and work in the same way as topical salicylic acid would to remove the wart or verruca.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a freezing treatment used to blister the growth, causing it to eventually fall off. Your GP will use liquid nitrogen to do so, and it might take a couple of sessions for it to work.

Alternatively, you can buy a similar treatment yourself from a supermarket or pharmacy. These home-freezing treatments are designed to work in the same way as the cryotherapy you would receive from a healthcare professional.

They use alternative ingredients, and they might not work as well on larger, more severe growths.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment is used to target and destroy the blood vessels feeding the wart or verruca, leading to its removal. This treatment is often used for larger or more stubborn growths.

Home remedies

Some people use home remedies like duct tape, applying apple cider vinegar or using garlic paste on them. While these methods might work for some individuals, they aren't supported by strong scientific evidence.

Prevention

Preventing warts and verrucas involves minimising your risk of coming into contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes these growths. While complete prevention isn’t always possible, you can still take several steps to reduce your chances.

Practise good hygiene 

Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the spread of HPV. Avoid touching warts and verrucas on yourself or others, as direct contact can lead to transmission.

Protect your feet

Wear flip-flops or waterproof shoes in public showers, locker rooms and pool areas to prevent exposure to HPV. 

Keep your feet clean and dry, especially if you have any cuts or abrasions, as this can make it easier for the virus to enter your skin.

Avoid sharing items

Refrain from sharing towels, socks, shoes and other personal items that come into contact with the skin, as this can help prevent the spread of HPV.

Boost your immune system

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep to support a strong immune system that can better fight off HPV infections.

Alexandra Moses - Medical Content Writer
James O'Loan - CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist
James O'Loan , CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist on 10 August 2023
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