A verruca is simply a wart that is usually found on the soles of your feet. A verruca can also appear around the toe area. In its early stages a verruca will look like a small, dark, puncture mark but later turns grey or brown in colour. It may also become rough and bumpy with a cauliflower-like appearance and may develop a black spot in the middle which is caused by bleeding. A verruca can grow to half an inch in diameter and may spread into a cluster of small warts on your foot.
Is a verruca harmful to my health?
Verrucae are not harmful to health, however, they can cause a sharp, burning pain if you get one on a weight-bearing area of the foot such as the ball or the heel. Because we are constantly pressing on these areas of the foot when walking, they can protrude into the skin and become more painful. When you have a verruca on the top of the foot or on the toes they protrude above skin level and they tend to be fleshier and cause less pain.
Verruca on foot
Is a verruca contagious?
Verrucae are caused by the human Papiloma virus (HPV). This virus is very contagious but can only be caught by direct contact. It thrives in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, changing room floors and bathrooms. So if an infected bare foot walks across the poolside it may release virus-infected cells onto the floor area of the swimming pool. If you then walk on this floor you can pick the virus up, especially if you have any small or invisible cuts and abrasions. This makes it even easier for the virus to penetrate. You could also catch the virus from an infected towel so it is important to implement preventative measures i.e. wearing special swim socks can prevent a verruca, not sharing towels, and, if you already have a verruca – changing your socks daily can prevent a verruca from spreading.
Are some people more susceptible to verrucae than others?
Verrucae tend to be common in children, especially teenagers. However, for unknown reasons, some people seem to be more susceptible to catching the verruca virus than others.
What’s the difference between a corn and a verruca?
A verruca is a viral infection, whereas a corn or a callus is simply layers of dead skin. Verrucae tend to be painful to pinch, but if you’re unsure consult your healthcare professionals – Hayes and Associates.
How do I avoid getting a verruca?
Minimise your chances of catching a verruca by keeping your feet clean and dry and covering up any cuts or scratches on your feet. Avoid walking barefoot in swimming pools, communal showers or changing rooms, wear flip-flops and avoid sharing towels. While you should wear verruca socks when swimming to avoid passing on the virus, they can also be worn as a preventive measure.
What do I do if I have a verruca?
If a verruca does appear, avoid touching or scratching it as it may spread into a cluster of several warts. Instead, cover it up with a plaster. In some cases this may cure it. If not contact your local podiatrist / chiropodist – Hayes and Associates.
Do not self-treat a verruca if you have diabetes or circulation problems
How can Hayes and Associates treat my verruca?
Verrucae can often disappear in time, fought off by your immune system. The general policy is to only treat them when they are causing pain. In children verrucae usually resolve themselves within 6 months but in adults they can persist for years. This is why it is important to seek professional advice and treatment from Hayes and Associates.
If your verruca is causing pain, there are a number of treatment options available – though no one particular treatment can guarantee a cure. For the safest and most effective treatment plan consult Hayes and Associates.
Can I stop my verruca from spreading?
To reduce the likelihood of your verruca spreading, we would advise you to book an appointment to see one of our highly trained professionals in one of our 6 clinics. The location on your foot, the verruca type and size will determine the treatment that best suits.