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Common
foot complaints:
Verrucae
(Foot Wart)
Definition
A verruca is basically a wart on the foot. It is caused by a virus known as
the human papilloma virus. The human papilloma virus is the most common
cause of
viral skin infections.
Incidence /
Age
Verrucae may infect the skin of the foot at any age. However children
of school age are more commonly affected than adults. It is believed
that verrucae are
commonly spread in communal changing rooms and swimming pools. Compromised
immunity also makes certain people more prone to vial skin infections.
Symptoms
/ Signs
Verrucae may or may not be painful. Verrucae appear in a number of
forms, however the classic appearance is that of a single isolated
lesion with defined
margins
and small black dots within the central core. There may be surrounding
callus. Verrucae penetrate more deeply and are less raised when present
on a weight-bearing
surface. Verrucae are usually more painful when squeezed, in comparison
to the application of direct pressure.
On none weight-bearing
surfaces verrucae appear more like a wart anywhere else, being raised.
Some types
of verrucae cause a more superficial infection
of the
skin that can cover larger areas of the foot. Treatment
Treatment of verrucae is only required when painful or rapidly spreading.
Regression, with or without treatment, usually occurs within the first
18 months from infection.
Self treatment
Only consider treatment if the verrucae is painful. For healthy individuals
the best course of action is to visit a Chemist and speak to the Pharmacist.
They
will advice you as to the most suitable ointment or gel available for
the treatment of verrucae. It is also usually necessary to reduce the
verrucae
with an emery
board during treatment. Never use anything sharp to reduce the verrucae.
For
those using communal swimming pools it is considerate to cover
the affected foot with a verrucae sock, to help reduce the risk of
the infection
spreading
to others.
Clinical and
surgical treatments
On consulting a State Registered Podiatrist / Chiropodist you will
be advised as to the most appropriate treatment lines suitable
for you.
There are
many different verrucae treatments available. Unfortunately there
is no one definitive
treatment
for all types of verrucae. Most treatments aim to destroy the infected
tissue and / or bring about an immune response. The most common
treatments available
fall under the heading of, topical chemical agents (e.g. acids
of varying strengths), thermal agents (e.g. freezing the verrucae)
and
surgical
procedures (e.g. excision
of the verrucae under anaesthetic).
Outcome / Prognosis
Most verrucae will resolve without treatment. If the verrucae are
painful or spreading treatment may be necessary. Effective home
treatments are available from a Pharmacist. Long standing verrucae
can be very
resistant
to the more
conservative
treatments. Verrucae are rarely a cause for concern. back
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