Warts, Verrucae, Corns & Calluses
Warts, Verrucae, Corns & Calluses
By Ivan
Miyingo Quintus
September 23rd,
2023
7th
Sense Edition
09:00 PM, EAT
CHAPTER I: Warts/Verrucae
What are warts?
________________________________________________________________________________________
Warts are small rough lumps of skin caused by the
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They are 1 mm – 1 cm in size. A wart on the foot
is called a verrucae or plantar wart.
What are verrucae?
__________________________________________________________________
Verrucae are non-cancerous tumour-like lumps of skin
caused by the HPV. They are the same as warts, but named ‘verrucae’ when they
are on the foot, commonly on the sole. They are circular, feel rough and
protrude just above the skin surface.
What causes warts/verrucae?
__________________________________________________________________
Warts/verrucae are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
What is the difference between warts and
verrucae?
__________________________________________________________________
The
key difference between warts
and verrucae is
their
location. Warts are usually found on the top
of toes, on
hands and on fingers where
as verrucae are
found on the sole of the foot only.
Similarities between warts and verrucae
__________________________________________________________________
Both warts and verrucae are viral infections of the
skin caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. They are highly contagious; the
virus can be transmitted from an infected individual or contaminated surface to
a healthy person.
Who is more susceptible to warts/verrucae?
__________________________________________________________________
Immuno-compromised individuals and children are more susceptible to
warts/verrucae.
Are warts/verrucae painful?
__________________________________________________________________
Warts/verrucae are not usually painful, but can be
painful if they press on a sensitive part of the foot. They are however more
painful when squeezed.
How do warts/verrucae appear?
__________________________________________________________________
Warts/Verrucae develop into hard callus lumps with visible
dark spots formed due to bleeding from capillaries as the virus forms the hard
lump. They have a more pinched-out uneven surface than a corn. Sometimes warts/verrucae
appear single, flat, and raised and other times they cluster together to give a
cauliflower appearance.
Under a magnifying glass, warts/verrucae have fingerprint-like
lines of skin (striations). The foot skin striations do not go over the surface
of the wart or verrucae, they only surround it. The striations are disrupted as
they pass over the surface of the wart/verrucae. This feature is what
differentiates warts/verrucae from corns/calluses.
The life cycle of warts/verrucae
__________________________________________________________________
After infection with HPV, it can take weeks and even
months for the wart/verruca to appear. After incubation, warts/verrucae last
for two (2) years. They can go away by themselves, but can become painful and
harder to get rid of. Leaving warts/verrucae untreated also increases the chances
of spreading them.
How are warts/verrucae spread?
__________________________________________________________________
When the warts/verrucae are scratched, the virus-infected
skin cells are shed onto the floor and passed onto others walking over the same
area. Once the virus enters the body, it can multiply and spread to other parts
of the body.
How can you get warts/verrucae?
__________________________________________________________________
Broken, cut, dry, and scratched skin is more
susceptible to the virus infection because damaged skin makes it easier for the
virus to penetrate.
Immuno-compromised individuals and children below 16
years are more prone to catching the virus, that is, they contract
warts/verrucae more often than others.
Treatment of Warts/Verrucae
__________________________________________________________________
While warts/verrucae go away if left untreated, this can
take years as it takes the body up to 2 years to fight off the virus.
Topical preparations containing salicylic acid and
lactic acid (e.g., Bazuka Gel) soften the hard skin growth making it easier to
remove. The salicylic acid also kills the virus that causes warts/verrucae.
-
Bazuka
Gel is applied once daily at night, directly on the wart/verrucae. Treatment
can take up to 12 weeks for the resistant lesions to disappear.
-
Bazuka
Gel contains salicylic acid and lactic acid which gently
remove the infected skin tissue, helping to eliminate the virus.
-
The pain-free gel
dries to form a water-resistant, protective barrier to inhibit the spread of
infection.
Bazuka gels are not suitable for use
by diabetics or patients who have poor peripheral blood circulation.
Other treatment
options include the use of zinc oxide tape, Falkner’s needling, and swift microwave
treatment.
Disclaimer:
__________________________________________________________________
You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist
before using any medicine.
References
__________________________________________________________________
-
https://spectrumfootclinics.co.uk
-
https://westberkshirefootclinic.co.uk
- In vivo study for Bazuka March 1995.
- patient.info/health/warts-and-verrucas-leaflet April 2018.
-
Ivan Miyingo Quintus
© 2023
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