VERRUCAE 

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What is a Verruca?
“Verruca Pedis” is a wart found on the foot.
A wart is the result of a viral infection of the skin. 

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What causes it?
All verrucae are caused by the human papilloma virus.
The virus stays in the tiny flakes of skin that are shed naturally from our feet.
Due to this verrucae are often contracted in communal places such as swimming pools, showers and changing areas - this is why children and active adults are more at risk of getting one. 
The virus is contagious and can be caught by walking on a damp surface or perhaps sharing a towel. 
Cuts or areas of broken skin may increase the risk of infection.
If there is excessive moisture or excessive dryness of the skin this can lead to small cracks in the skin which allows the virus to enter.

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What does a verruca look like?
It can appear anywhere on the foot but most commonly on the sole.  
It is often described as having a “cauliflower” or “pepper pot” appearance i.e. a rough, irregular surface which may be covered with a layer of hard skin.
Small black dots may be visible in the verruca.
It varies in size from tiny to very large and can grow or spread quite rapidly. It may be singular or multiple and can appear on one or both feet

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How do I know if I have a verruca?

A verruca can be confused with a corn or hard skin but can usually be identified by:

Its appearance 

Its location: a verruca can appear anywhere whereas a corn or hard skin usually forms over areas of pressure

How it feels– warts tend to be more painful when pinched i.e. squeezed from the sides whereas a corn hurts more when pressed from above

You may also notice that the lines on the skin go round a verruca not through it.

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What will happen if I leave it untreated?
Most of the time the body’s natural defence system will get rid of the virus by itself if left alone, so it may just disappear but this can take some time (up to 2 years).
However, if contracted avoid scratching or picking at the verruca this may spread the infection to other parts of the body. 
Letting nature heal the verruca is the best and safest course of action. For painful, unsightly verrucae, or ones which are spreading, you may choose to self treat or seek professional advice from a podiatrist.

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What can help?
To avoid verrucae, try not to touch other people's verrucae and make sure you wash your hands if you do touch one. 

It is also best to avoid sharing towels, flannels, shoes and socks with other people and to make sure that feet and hands are kept clean and dry

You can help prevent catching a verruca by taking precautions in communal changing areas or at the poolside by not walking barefoot e.g. wear flip-flops or keep the area covered.

Always ensure your skin integrity is good by moisturising dry skin and drying well between the toes. Treat any athlete’s foot promptly – any cracks or breaks in the skin make it easier for the virus to enter.

What are the treatment options?
Verrucae can be treated with over-the-counter products, but these don't always work. The treatments include things like creams, gels, skin paints and medicated plasters usually containing salicylic acid; the salicylic acid is used to burn the top layer of the affected skin. These should always be used with caution, and never by those with poor circulation or numbness to the feet e.g. people with diabetes.

You can also find cold sprays that contain dimethyl ether propane; these sprays are used to freeze the wart.
Your podiatrist is able to offer stronger versions of these treatments which can penetrate deeper and may be more effective.

They can offer a procedure known as needling which is carried out under a local anaesthetic.
This works by stimulating the body’s immune system to attack the virus.

Verrutop is a new topical application that works by drying out the verruca.

It is also possible to have a procedure called SWIFT, which uses heat to achieve the same response.