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Verruca
(WARTS,
PAPILOMA)
INTRODUCTION
Verrucaes
are a common complaint amongst children and adults.
A verruca is a small skin lesion which is commonly found
on the bottom surface of the foot. The lesion is usually
approximately 1cm in diameter but can be larger. Sometimes
a single wart may have many small satellite warts surrounding
it, this is called a Mosaic Wart. Click
here to view photographs of verrucas
APPEARANCE
- They
appearance is similar to corns but verrucaes are more
superficial in depth.
- The
surface of the verrucae is covered with black dots
that are actually small blood vessels that feed the
verrucae.
- The
color is usually paler then the usual tone of the
skin.
- Verrucaes
are usually surrounding by hard skin and will not
be well circumscribed.
Above
is a picture of a single verrucae.
SYMPTOMS
-
Patients often complain that a verruca feels like
a small stone under the foot.
-
They are usually asymptomatic (not painful) unless
they are squeezed from the sides or have direct force
applied to them.
-
They are inclined to spread to other areas of the
foot and possibly to the hands.
CAUSE
-
All verrucaes are caused by the human papilloma virus.
This is common in all environments but does not readily
attack the skin.
-
If there is a break, scratch or a thorn in the skin,
this will give the virus a opportunity to enter the
skin.
- Verrucaes
are commonly contracted in communal places such as
swimming pools, showers and changing areas. This is
why children are more at risk of contracting verrucaes
in school changing rooms and swimming pools.
-
Excessive moisture or excessive dryness of the skin
can lead to small crack in the skin which allows the
virus to enter the skin.
TREATMENT
-
Over the counter products containing salicylic acid
may be of benefit in treating the verrucae. However,
it is important that application of these products
is confined to the affected area only as it may lead
to the damage of healthy skin. Diabetics or patients
with a poor circulation should not use these products.
-
Try to keep the wound covered at all times as it will
prevent the wart from growing rapidly and spreading
to other areas.
-
You can also remove the surrounding callus with a
pumice stone.
-
It is recommended that you seek advice from a chiropodist.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT
 Salatac
Verruca Removal Gel 8gm at £15, Free Postage and
Packaging
Freephone 0800 1953440
Alternative
Products
Scholl
Seal and Heal Verruca Removal Gel at £10, Free
Postage and Packaging
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