Wart and verrucas

A wart is a fleshy growth on the skin caused by an infection with the Human Papilloma Virus HPV. There are many different subtypes of HPV and certain types are more likely to cause warts on different parts of the body.
Verruca is another name for a wart, which is found on the soles of the feet.
They are very common particularly on the hands and feet. The virus is spread by direct contact or by touching moist surfaces, such as floors in swimming pools.

Treatment
Most warts don’t need to be treated. Indeed one study found that 2/3 of warts disappear on their own within 2 years.

Over the counter remedies
A variety of treatments are available from chemists. Most of these contain salicylic acid and are relatively cheap. Salicylic acid works by destroying the thickened skin, which makes up the wart.
•    Salicyclic acid and other wart treatments affect the healthy skin so it is important to protect the surrounding area with either petroleum jelly or a corn plaster, and apply with care.
•    Repeat daily after washing
•    Rub dead skin off once a week with a pumice stone or emery board
•    Stop treatment and restart in a few days if the skin becomes sore
•    Keep going. You may need to continue for 12 weeks before the wart disappears.

Duct tape
Some evidence suggests that covering the wart with duct tape may get rid of it. Again you need to do this for several weeks. Remove the duct tape at night and then rub it with an emery board or pumice stone, and reapply the tape in the morning.

Cryotherapy
Over the counter freezing systems can be purchased from the pharmacy. They are much more expensive. The instructions need to be followed carefully. They are not suitable for facial warts or with people who are diabetic.

When to see a doctor

If over the counter treatments don’t work.

•    Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.
It is a very cold spray. A sore blister develops, followed by a scab, which falls off about a week to ten days later. Larger warts may need several treatments 3-4 weeks apart. There can be a risk of developing infection or scarring.
•    Surgery – but it can leave a scar and spread the virus so it a less popular alternative.

So is treatment really necessary if the wart will probably go on its own?

Source: The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
            British Association of Dermatologists
            Bupa Health Information

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