Verrucas, also referred to as warts are a common dermatological condition where lesions are formed due to human papillomavirus affecting the skin. Upon attacking the keratinocyte cells, the HPV thickens the skin leaving behind rough growths. These small lesions or rough growths usually appear on the sole of the feet. There are several types of verrucas (warts) and understanding them is imperative for efficient treatment to manage the condition.  

However, one may seek medical treatment or consider certain home remedies for the cure. Also, leading warts clinical trials in Boston and emerging studies around the topic are offering individuals access to cutting-edge technology and innovative treatment. In this blog, we plunge into the different types of verrucas and their potential treatment.  

What are the Characteristics of Verrucas?

Verrucas can be identified through various characteristics. Some common characteristics that could assist in the diagnosis of such warts are as follows;  

• The affected skin area turns whitish in most of the cases 
• Verrucas are typically flat and not raised  
• Verrucas mostly emerge on the sole of the feet  
• Lastly, verrucas typically have a single growth but in some cases, this can be surrounded by a cluster of warts encircling one big wart. The inward growth of a verruca can cause immense discomfort upon walking due to the bodily weight.  

What are the Causes of Verrucas?

Typically, verrucas are caused by the infection of skin called HPV human papillomavirus and thrives under warm or moist surroundings such as swimming pools or communal showers. It indeed is a contagious infection, however, there are high chances to catch this infectious disease when the upper layer of the wart is damaged, exposing the virus more.  

Direct contact with the disease can happen through cuts, scratches, or simply through skin contact resulting in the development of verrucas. Indirectly the disease can be transferred through a contaminated surface.  

In addition to this, individuals with weak immune systems are more susceptible to verruca formation after coming into direct contact with HPV. This virus typically boosts the rapid growth of skin cells, infiltrating the upper or the most outer layer of the skin. This infiltration then results in the formation of verrucas and various growth around it in rare cases.  

Different Types of Verrucas

There are several types of verrucas that appear on the skin. Some common and mostly observed ones are explained below;  

• Planter Wart or Common Verruca:

These warts typically appear on the sole of the feet, causing discomfort and immense pain while walking. The body weight exerts more pressure on the pressure point of the feet prodding difficulty in walking due to pain.

The defining characteristics may include; rough growths surrounded by thickened skin, whitish affected area that sometimes can be accompanied with black dots, and painful if bearing heavy body weight. 

• Filiform Verruca or Wart:

These warts can be characterized by long, narrow projections that grow quickly. They tend to appear on the neck or face of an individual, typically around mouth or eyes. However, there is no specific reason that it cannot appear on the sole of the feet. Therefore, in some rare cases it can form under the feet too. 

• Periungual Verruca:

These are rough growths forming around the toenails or fingernails. They can cause discomfort and hinder the nail growth if left untreated over a period. In some cases, they have the tendency to alter the shape and growth of the nails, resulting in severe soreness and aching. 

• Flat or Plane Verruca:

Flat verrucas are slightly raised, small, and smooth growths appearing on the face, back of the hands, or legs. The skin color could turn from skin-toned to brown to greyish-yellow or pink. These verrucas appear in clusters usually. 

• Mosaic Verruca or Wart:

Mosaic verruca forms in multiple clusters making a larger patch affected. They tend to appear on palms and soles, creating a tile-like or mosaic-like appearance on the affected area. Moreover, these are the toughest types of verrucas, causing difficulty in treatment due to their appearance.  

Treatment Possibilities of Verrucas

Depending upon the type and severity of the condition, verrucas can be treated and cured by a dermatologist or a skin expert. However, some common treatment options are explained below;  

• Cryotherapy:

This therapy involves freezing the verruca so it can fall off on its own in future weeks. This is done by using liquid nitrogen that could destroy the affected area of the skin. In some cases, it may take a few sessions, followed by multiple treatment options to attain optimal results. This can be done in an expert’s clinic. 

• Over-the-counter Medications or Topical Treatment:

Certain prescribed medications can be used for the treatment containing salicylic acid. Over-the-counter medications can be taken under an expert’s vigilance and through prescription. There are creams, plasters, and sprays that work by gradually breaking down the thickened layers of the skin. This makes it convenient for the expert to remove the verruca. 

• Surgical Removal:

In some serious cases, surgical treatment could be the right route to take according to the expert. This is considered for large, persistent, and prolonged verrucas causing discomfort or continuous ache. With the help of local anesthesia, the affected area is made numb so that the cutting and scraping of the tissue can be done.

• Laser Therapy:

This therapy involves concentrated light beams to destroy the hardened tissue. Laser therapy is recommended for those with rigid verrucas that hadn’t responded to other treatments previously. 

• Self-Help or Home Remedies:

Besides other methods, including over-the-counter treatment and therapies, self-help methods can be tried at home. Opting for home remedies like the duct tape method, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar could be harmless and safe to give a shot.  

Furthermore, it should be taken into account that treating verrucas can take time and demand patience. Feeling discouraged due to the unsightliness and disheartened for not going away rapidly would put an individual in a more desperate state. Consulting a healthcare professional before opting any treatment is a desirable condition rather than being unsure and stuck in a difficult state.  

To Wrap Up 

Understanding the various types of verrucas and their potential treatment is vital for effective methods of granting relief. While each type of verruca presents its own set of challenges, the clinical trials in Boston empower the latest treatment methods and routes that provide ease to the patients.  By exploring diverse treatment options, individuals can take active steps in curing the condition, paving their way to healthy skin. We suggest seeking an expert’s advice and consultation to help choose the route that best suits the prevalent verruca.  With proper guidance, accurate diagnosis, and apt treatment, individuals can seek relief from the pain and cure the verrucas, ultimately restoring confidence and skin health!  

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