Verruca Vulgaris

Verruca vulgaris, commonly known as a wart, is a small growth on the skin that’s caused by a viral infection. While they’re usually harmless, they can be bothersome and unsightly. In this article, we’ll break down what verruca vulgaris is, its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and drugs in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Types of Verruca Vulgaris:

  1. Common Warts: Common warts are the most familiar type. They typically appear on the fingers, hands, and knees. These warts have a rough texture and can be flesh-colored or slightly darker.
  2. Plantar Warts: Plantar warts are found on the soles of the feet. They can be quite uncomfortable because of the pressure applied to the feet while walking. These warts may have small black spots in the center.
  3. Flat Warts: Flat warts are smoother and smaller compared to common warts. They are often found on the face, neck, or hands. These warts can be either flesh-colored or slightly pink.
  4. Filiform Warts: These warts have thread-like projections and often occur on the face and neck.

Causes of Verruca Vulgaris:

  1. Viral Infection (HPV): Verruca vulgaris is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin.
  2. Direct Contact: Touching someone else’s wart or contaminated surfaces can transmit the virus.
  3. Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to warts.
  4. Skin Abrasions: Any small injury to the skin can provide an entry point for the virus.
  5. Warm and Moist Environments: HPV thrives in warm, moist areas like locker rooms and swimming pools.
  6. Age: Children and teenagers are more prone to warts than adults.
  7. Nail Biting or Fingernail Scratching: This can create openings for the virus to enter the skin.
  8. Genetics: Some people may be genetically more susceptible to warts.
  9. Gender: Men are more likely to get warts on their hands, while women often get them on their legs.

Symptoms of Verruca Vulgaris:

  1. Small, Raised Bumps: Warts typically appear as small, raised growths on the skin.
  2. Rough Texture: They may feel rough or grainy to the touch.
  3. Gray or Brown Color: Warts often have a color slightly different from your skin.
  4. Pain or Discomfort: Plantar warts, in particular, can be painful, especially when pressure is applied.
  5. Clustering: Warts can appear in clusters, making them more noticeable.
  6. Black Dots: Sometimes, tiny black dots can be seen on the surface of warts, which are actually small blood vessels.
  7. Change in Appearance: Warts can change in size and shape over time.
  8. Itching or Irritation: They may cause itching or irritation, leading to scratching and potential spread.

Diagnostic Tests for Verruca Vulgaris:

  1. Visual Examination: Often, doctors can diagnose warts just by looking at them.
  2. Skin Scraping: A healthcare provider may gently scrape the top layer of the wart to examine it under a microscope.
  3. Biopsy: In rare cases, a small piece of the wart may be removed and sent to a lab for analysis.
  4. Dermatoscopy: This involves using a specialized tool to examine the wart’s features more closely.

Treatments for Verruca Vulgaris:

  1. Wait and Watch: Sometimes, warts go away on their own without treatment, especially in children.
  2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: OTC topical treatments like salicylic acid can help remove warts by peeling away the infected skin.
  3. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off.
  4. Electrocautery: An electric current is used to burn off the wart.
  5. Laser Therapy: A laser is used to destroy the blood vessels feeding the wart.
  6. Prescription Medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
  7. Cantharidin: A substance derived from blister beetles that can be applied to the wart to create a blister, lifting the wart off.
  8. Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts your immune system’s response to the wart.
  9. Surgery: In rare cases, surgical removal of the wart may be necessary.
  10. Intralesional Injection: A medication is injected directly into the wart to stimulate an immune response.

Drugs for Verruca Vulgaris:

  1. Salicylic Acid: Available over-the-counter, this acid helps remove warts by breaking down the infected skin.
  2. Imiquimod (Aldara): A prescription cream that stimulates the immune system to fight the virus.
  3. Podofilox (Condylox): A topical gel that can be prescribed by a doctor.
  4. Cantharidin (Cantharone): A substance derived from blister beetles that can be applied to the wart by a healthcare provider.
  5. Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): A chemical treatment applied by a doctor.
  6. Bleomycin: An injectable medication used in some cases.
  7. Interferon: Sometimes used in severe or resistant cases.
  8. Cidofovir (Vistide): An antiviral medication that may be considered for severe warts.
  9. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): A medication used in certain cases to inhibit wart cell growth.
  10. Photodynamic Therapy: This treatment involves a combination of a light-activated drug and a special light source.

Conclusion:

Verruca vulgaris, or warts, are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they are generally harmless, they can be bothersome and unsightly. Fortunately, various treatment options are available, ranging from over-the-counter remedies to medical procedures, to help remove warts. If you have concerns about warts or their treatment, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

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References