A verruca is a type of wart that commonly appears on the soles of the feet and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This detailed article covers everything about verrucas, including growth, causes, pain levels, harm, treatment, prevention, and frequently asked questions, with insights designed to help anyone understand this common condition and optimise visibility for search engines.
What Is a Verruca?
A verruca is a small, rough growth that emerges on the skin when HPV infects the skin cells, particularly through tiny cuts or abrasions. While most warts can appear anywhere on the body, verrucas specifically refer to plantar warts, which show up on the feet, especially on weight-bearing areas like heels and the balls of the feet. These can appear as flat or slightly raised lesions, often with a hard edge and sometimes a black dot in the centre.
How Does a Verruca Grow?
Verrucas form when HPV enters the skin through small cracks or wounds. Once inside, the virus causes excess keratin to form, resulting in a rough, thick spot. Moist, warm environments like swimming pools, showers, and gyms are ideal for HPV to thrive and spread. Not everyone exposed to the virus will develop a verruca; susceptibility is higher in those with weaker immune systems, children, teenagers, or frequent barefoot walkers in communal areas.
Verrucas can take weeks to months to become visible after infection, and can spread to other parts of the foot or to others through contact with contaminated surfaces. Sometimes multiple verrucas cluster together, forming “mosaic warts,” which can be more challenging to treat.
How Harmful Is a Verruca?
Verrucas are not life-threatening, but can significantly affect quality of life. They:
- Causes pain, especially when located on weight-bearing parts of the foot (often described as feeling like standing on a needle)
- Sometimes itches or bleeds when irritated by footwear or activity
- It can make walking, exercising, and even standing uncomfortable, leading to posture or muscle issues if ignored
- They are highly contagious and can spread to other people or nearby skin areas, especially if scratched, picked, or left uncovered in public places
Rarely, verrucas may persist for years or recur after treatment, and very large, painful, or bleeding verrucas may require a specialist’s attention.
How Painful Is a Verruca?
A verruca can range from painless to very painful, depending on its size, location, and depth. The pain is usually worse when pressure is applied, such as standing, walking, or running, because the body weight pushes the verruca inward. This discomfort can cause people to limp or avoid activity, affecting overall foot health and posture.
Verruca Cure: Treatment Options
Home Treatments
Many verrucas resolve on their own as the immune system clears the virus, but this can take months or even years. Management options include:
- Salicylic acid preparations (creams, gels, plasters): soften and help shed infected skin
- Over-the-counter medications: available at pharmacies, often used daily for up to three months
- Duct tape: anecdotal evidence suggests covering the verruca may help, though clinical support is limited
Professional Treatments
If home remedies fail or pain is significant, professionals may offer:
- Cryotherapy (freezing): uses liquid nitrogen; may cause scarring and sometimes needs repeated sessions
- Verruca needling: stimulates the immune response to help clear the wart
- Chemical treatments: such as silver nitrate or prescription medications
- Electrocautery or surgery: rarely needed, reserved for persistent, large, or painful cases
Most treatments are not guaranteed, and verrucas can recur, especially in those with weaker immune systems.
Precautions: Preventing Spread and Recurrence
Verrucas are very contagious; prevention tips include:
- Wash your hands after touching a verruca
- Change socks daily and don’t share shoes, socks, or towels
- Cover verrucas with a plaster while swimming or in communal areas
- Wear flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms
- Avoid scratching, picking, or biting nails around warts or verrucas
- Check children’s feet regularly for signs of infection
- Seek timely treatment; don’t ignore verrucas as they can multiply and become harder to treat
Additional Tips for Verruca Management
- Do not attempt to cut, scrape, or file verrucas at home, as this can worsen, spread or cause secondary infection.
- If verrucas are very large, persist for long periods, or bleed repeatedly, seek advice from a podiatrist, dermatologist, or general practitioner.
- Individuals with diabetes, compromised immune systems, or circulation issues should avoid home treatments and consult specialists for safe management.
Living With and Treating Verrucas
Verrucas, though problematic for many, can be managed effectively. Home treatments are safe for mild cases, but consistently painful or spreading verrucas warrant professional care. Good hygiene and preventative measures are key to reducing the risk of spreading the virus to others and preventing future infections.
FAQs About Verruca
What is a verruca?
A verruca is a wart caused by HPV, seen most often on the feet, especially on the soles, where pressure is applied.
How do verrucas develop?
Verrucas develop when HPV enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions, leading to thickened, hard skin.
Are verrucas harmful or dangerous?
While not dangerous, verrucas can be painful, contagious, and make walking or physical activity difficult.
How painful is a verruca?
Pain can range from mild discomfort to sharp pain akin to standing on a needle, especially in weight-bearing areas.
What are the best treatments for verrucas?
Options include over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments, cryotherapy, needling, and occasionally surgery if other methods fail.
How can I stop verrucas from spreading?
Practice good hygiene: avoid sharing personal items, cover verrucas in communal settings, and wear shoes or flip-flops in public areas.
Can verrucas go away on their own?
Yes, many verrucas resolve naturally over time as the body’s immune system clears the virus, but this process may take months or years.
