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Common
Foot Conditions
Verruca
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.
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They appearance is similar to corns but verrucaes are more superficial
in depth.
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The surface of the verrucae is covered with black dots that
are actually small blood vessels that feed the verrucae.
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The color is usually paler then the usual tone of the skin.
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Verrucaes are usually surrounding by hard skin and will not
be well circumscribed.
Symptoms
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Patients often complain that a verruca feels like a small stone
under the foot.
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They are usually asymptomatic (not painful) unless they are
squeezed from the sides or have direct force applied to them.
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They are inclined to spread to other areas of the foot and possibly
to the hands.
Cause
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verrucaes are caused by the human papilloma virus. This is common
in all environments but does not readily attack the skin.
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If there is a break, scratch or a thorn in the skin, this will
give the virus a opportunity to enter the skin.
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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.
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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
of Verruca |
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