Warts and Verrucas
Also known as Verruca, Viral warts
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is warts and verrucas?
Warts are rough growths caused by human papillomavirus infecting the top layer of skin. A verruca is simply a wart on the sole of the foot, flattened by body weight. Most clear on their own within two years without any treatment, though this takes longer in adults. Treatment is optional and aimed at speed rather than necessity.
Causes
- Human papillomavirus infecting broken or damp skin
- Direct contact with another person warts
- Contaminated floors in pools and changing rooms
- Spread to other sites by scratching or shaving
Symptoms
- Firm rough raised growths, often on hands
- Flat tender growths on the soles with a hard rim
- Tiny black dots within the wart from clotted vessels
- Pain when walking if on a weight bearing area
- Clusters of warts spreading locally
- Usually painless elsewhere
Risk factors
- Children and young adults
- Walking barefoot in communal wet areas
- Broken or damaged skin
- Weakened immune system
- Eczema
- Sweaty hands or feet
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis from appearance
- Paring the surface to reveal black dots, confirming a wart
- Distinguishing verrucas from corns and calluses
- Referral if a lesion is atypical, bleeding or growing quickly
Treatment
- Salicylic acid preparations applied daily for up to three months
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
- Duct tape occlusion as a simple option
- Combination of paring, acid and covering
- Specialist treatment for extensive or resistant warts
- No treatment at all, which is entirely reasonable
Self care
- Soak the area then file the surface gently before applying treatment
- Protect surrounding skin with petroleum jelly
- Apply salicylic acid daily and be patient, it takes up to 12 weeks
- Cover warts with a plaster when swimming
- Wear flip flops in communal showers
- Do not share towels, socks or files
- Avoid picking or biting warts, which spreads them
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Warts that are painful, bleeding or changing appearance
- Warts on the face or genitals
- No improvement after three months of treatment
- Warts spreading widely
- Diabetes with a verruca, since foot care needs supervision
- Weakened immune system
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Wear flip flops in communal showers and pool areas
- Cover existing warts with a plaster when swimming
- Do not share towels, socks or nail files
- Keep feet dry and change socks daily
- Avoid picking or shaving over warts
Outlook
Around two thirds of warts disappear without treatment within two years in children, though clearance is slower in adults and in people with weakened immunity. Treatment increases the chance of clearance but no method works for everyone, and recurrence is common. Warts are harmless, so leaving them alone is a legitimate choice.
Common questions
Do I need to treat a wart?
Not usually. Warts are harmless and most clear by themselves. Treatment is reasonable if they are painful, spreading or bothering you, but doing nothing is a valid option.
What are the black dots inside a verruca?
Tiny clotted blood vessels, not seeds or roots. Warts have no roots and do not need digging out, which risks scarring and infection.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.