Dr Foot Discussion

[rosie1]

Have patient who has round (8-10mm diameter), raised, rough, rubbery surface area (looks like a verrucae/wart when it's become cauliflower-like) on dorsum of the 1 MTPJ (ie base of hallux). I've only ever seen a verrucae on the plantar of a foot; is it common to have a verrucae on the dorsum? Patient had it for 6-9 months & seems to recall that it appeared as a result of her sandal being a bit tight and rubbing which caused a blister-type irritation. This threw me a little & made me wonder whether it is in fact a verrucae. I pared it down a lilttle and two/three black dots of blood capilliaries appeared (as would happen with a verrucae) but I want to be absolutely sure before recommending treatment. Patient isn't experiencing any pain from area but wants to get rid of it especially as it's very visible & unsightly. Grateful for any thoughts/recommendations (after confirming its verrucae)? Many thks.

[Dr Foot]

From your description it sounds like a verruca with the cauliflower and the blood capillaries. You can get verruca's anywhere on the foot; they are more common on the plantar aspect of the foot as it is a common port of entry for the human papilloma virus. One simple diagnostic test for a verruca it to apply lateral pressure to the verruca (pinch it). If there is a sharp stabbing pain the lesion is most likely a verruca, there will be minimum pain on direct pressure.

The final treatment option as obviously your decision.

[rosie]

Many thanks for your advice; think I will recommend patient sees a chiropodist who can offer cryotherapy treatment.

[justasking41]

have a concern about the middle toe on each foot becoming dried and with a slight downward curling.