What are verruca vulgaris. How are common warts caused. What are the symptoms of verruca vulgaris. How are common warts diagnosed and treated. Can verruca vulgaris be prevented. What complications can arise from untreated common warts. Who is most at risk for developing verruca vulgaris.

Understanding Verruca Vulgaris: The Common Wart

Verruca vulgaris, commonly known as the common wart, is a widespread skin condition caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). These small, benign growths can appear on various parts of the body, but are particularly prevalent on the hands and feet. While generally harmless, common warts can be aesthetically displeasing and, in some cases, cause discomfort or embarrassment.

What Causes Verruca Vulgaris?

Common warts are caused by specific strains of HPV, a large family of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. The virus enters the body through tiny cuts, breaks, or other weak spots in the skin. Once inside, it causes rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of skin, resulting in the formation of a wart.

Who is at Risk for Developing Common Warts?

While anyone can develop verruca vulgaris, certain factors may increase the risk:

• Children and teenagers
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals who bite their nails or pick at hangnails
• Those who frequently work with water or in moist environments
• People who walk barefoot in public areas like locker rooms or swimming pools

Identifying the Symptoms of Verruca Vulgaris

Common warts have distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other skin growths. Recognizing these symptoms can help in early identification and treatment.

Visual Appearance of Common Warts

Verruca vulgaris typically appears as:

• Small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin
• Rough, grainy texture
• Round or oval shape
• Size ranging from pinhead to pea-sized
• May have tiny black dots (sometimes called “wart seeds”)

Location and Distribution

While common warts can appear anywhere on the body, they are most frequently found on:

• Fingers and hands
• Knees
• Face
• Feet (particularly the soles)

Diagnosis and Medical Assessment of Verruca Vulgaris

Diagnosing common warts is typically straightforward due to their distinctive appearance. However, in some cases, additional steps may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Visual Examination

Most common warts can be identified through a simple visual inspection by a healthcare professional. The characteristic appearance and location of the growths are often sufficient for diagnosis.

Dermatoscopy

In cases where visual examination is inconclusive, a dermatologist may use a dermatoscope. This handheld device provides magnified, detailed views of the skin’s surface, allowing for closer inspection of the wart’s structure and blood vessels.

Biopsy

Though rarely necessary, a skin biopsy may be performed if there’s uncertainty about the diagnosis or if the wart appears unusual. This involves removing a small sample of the growth for microscopic examination.

Treatment Options for Verruca Vulgaris

While many common warts will eventually disappear on their own, treatment can help speed up the process and prevent spreading. Various options are available, ranging from over-the-counter remedies to medical procedures.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Several topical treatments are available without prescription:

• Salicylic acid: Available in various forms, including gels, pads, and drops
• Cryotherapy kits: Freeze the wart using a cold spray
• Duct tape: Some people find success with the “duct tape method,” though scientific evidence is limited

Prescription Medications

For more stubborn warts, a healthcare provider may prescribe:

• Imiquimod: A topical cream that stimulates the immune system to fight the virus
• 5-fluorouracil: A topical medication that interferes with DNA synthesis in wart cells
• Tretinoin: A retinoid that may help in conjunction with other treatments

In-Office Procedures

When over-the-counter and prescription treatments fail, medical procedures may be recommended:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
• Electrocautery: Burning off the wart with an electric current
• Laser therapy: Using focused light to destroy wart tissue
• Surgical excision: Cutting out the wart (reserved for resistant cases)

Preventing the Spread of Verruca Vulgaris

While it’s not always possible to prevent common warts, certain precautions can reduce the risk of infection and spread.

Personal Hygiene Practices

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of HPV:

• Wash hands regularly, especially after touching warts
• Keep warts covered with bandages to prevent contact with others
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors
• Don’t pick at or bite warts, as this can spread the virus

Environmental Precautions

Taking care in public spaces can help reduce exposure to HPV:

• Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers and locker rooms
• Keep feet dry, as moisture can make skin more susceptible to infection
• Avoid direct contact with warts on others

Complications and Special Considerations for Verruca Vulgaris

While common warts are generally harmless, certain situations may require special attention or lead to complications.

Periungual Warts

Warts that develop around or under the nails (periungual warts) can be particularly troublesome. They may:

• Affect nail growth and cause deformities
• Be more resistant to treatment
• Spread more easily due to nail-biting or cuticle picking

Warts in Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems may experience:

• More extensive or numerous warts
• Increased difficulty in clearing the infection
• Higher risk of recurrence after treatment

Psychological Impact

While not a physical complication, the presence of visible warts can cause:

• Embarrassment or self-consciousness
• Social anxiety or avoidance behaviors
• Reduced quality of life in severe cases

When to Seek Medical Attention for Verruca Vulgaris

While many common warts can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical advice.

Persistent or Spreading Warts

Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Warts persist after several weeks of home treatment
• New warts appear or existing ones spread rapidly
• Warts interfere with daily activities or cause pain

Unusual Appearances or Locations

Seek medical evaluation for warts that:

• Appear on the face or genitals
• Change color, size, or shape rapidly
• Bleed easily or look different from typical warts

Underlying Health Concerns

Medical attention is particularly important if you have:

• A weakened immune system due to illness or medication
• Diabetes, especially warts on the feet
• A history of skin cancer or suspicious moles

Living with Verruca Vulgaris: Practical Tips and Lifestyle Adjustments

Managing life with common warts involves more than just treatment; it requires adapting certain habits and practices to minimize discomfort and prevent spread.

Maintaining Skin Health

Keeping your skin in good condition can help prevent new warts and support healing:

• Moisturize regularly to prevent dry, cracked skin
• Treat cuts and scrapes promptly to reduce entry points for the virus
• Consider taking supplements that support skin health, like vitamin D or zinc

Adapting Daily Activities

Some lifestyle adjustments can help manage warts and prevent their spread:

• Wear gloves when working with water or in moist environments
• Use separate nail care tools for affected and unaffected areas
• Choose breathable footwear if you have plantar warts

Stress Management

Stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making warts more persistent. Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Adequate sleep and a balanced diet

By understanding verruca vulgaris and implementing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies, individuals can effectively manage this common skin condition. While common warts can be frustrating, they are generally harmless and treatable. With patience and proper care, most people can overcome verruca vulgaris and maintain healthy, wart-free skin.

Verruca Vulgaris – Skin Disorders

By

Chris G. Adigun

, MD, Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill

Reviewed/Revised Dec 2021 | Modified Sep 2022

VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

Topic Resources

Verruca vulgaris is the common wart.

Verrucae vulgaris are common warts Warts Warts (verrucae) are small skin growths caused by human papillomavirus infection. Warts are caused by human papillomaviruses. Raised or flat growths appear on any part of the skin. Most warts… read more , which are caused by infection with human papillomavirus Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Human papillomavirus (HPV) can be sexually transmitted and causes changes in cells, which can lead to genital warts or to precancer or cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, or throat. Different… read more . Such warts can develop anywhere on the skin around the nail and frequently appear on the cuticle (the skin at the base of the nail) and sometimes the area beneath the nail. Warts involving the cuticle can affect nail growth and cause nail deformity. They are more common among people who have small wounds or trauma around the nails, such as those who bite their nails or work in jobs in which their hands are constantly exposed to water. Nail biting (onychophagia) can spread this infection from nail to nail or from nail to skin, such as to the borders of the lips.

Warts in these areas are especially difficult to treat. Freezing (cryotherapy) with liquid nitrogen may be effective. Sometimes salicylic acid, imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, or tretinoin is also applied to the wart, particularly if warts are resistant to treatment.

Generic Name	Select Brand Names
salicylic acid	Akurza , Aliclen, Bensal HP, Clear Away, Clear Away Liquid, Clear Away One Step, Clear Away Plantar, Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment, Compound W, Compound W Total Care Wart & Skin, Corn/Callus Remover, Curad Mediplast, DermacinRx Atrix, Dermarest Psoriasis Moisturizer, Dermarest Psoriasis Overnight Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Scalp Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Shampoo plus Conditioner, Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment, Dr. Scholl’s Callus Removers, Dr. Scholl’s Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl’s Extra Thick Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl’s One Step Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl’s One Step Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl’s Ultra, Dr.Scholl’s Dual Action FREEZE AWAY, Dr.Scholl’s Duragel, DuoFilm Wart Remover, Freezone, Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief, Gordofilm , Hydrisalic, Ionil, Ionil Plus, Keralyt, Keralyt 5, Keralyt Scalp Complete, MOSCO Callus & Corn Remover, MOSCO One Step Corn Remover, Neutrogena Acne Wash, Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp, Occlusal-HP, P&S, RE SA , SalAC, Salactic Film , Salacyn, Salex, Salimez, Salimez Forte, Salisol , Salisol Forte , Salitech, Salitech Forte, Salitop , Salkera, Salvax, Scalpicin 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff, Selsun Blue, Thera-Sal , Trans-Ver-Sal, UltraSal-ER, VIRASAL, Wart-Off, XALIX
imiquimod	Aldara, Zyclara
fluorouracil	Adrucil, Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex, Tolak
tretinoin	Altinac, Altreno, Atralin, AVITA, Refissa, Renova, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Tretin-X, Vesanoid

NOTE:


This is the Consumer Version.


DOCTORS:



VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!

Viral warts images | DermNet

DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages

Created 2006.

> Go to the image library

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Warts due to immunosuppression

Cauliflower wart

Wart on a nose

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Plantar warts

Viral warts

Filiform warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts

Viral wart: earlobe

On DermNet NZ

• Viral warts

Warts on the face.

Types of warts on the face

• Warts
• Species
• Facial
• On hand
• Finger
• On feet
• On the foot
• Flat
• Intimate
• Treatment
• Disposal methods

Warts on the face are growths of the epithelium in the form of nodules or papillae associated with the activation of the human papillomavirus in the body. Most of the world’s population is its carrier, but the virus manifests itself only when exposed to adverse factors leading to a decrease in immunity – stress, malnutrition, excessive sweating, etc. Therefore, warts on the face most often occur in childhood or old age.

Types of warts

There are several types of warts:

• common or vulgar
  
  This is the most common type, occurring in 70% of cases. Externally, such neoplasms are dense, keratinized elevations on the skin with an uneven surface, sizes can reach 1 cm. The color of the wart varies from flesh to light brown. These formations often occur in the lip area.

• flat or youth
  
  Arise in the form of a scattering of small outgrowths of a flesh-colored, pinkish or pale brown color with a smooth surface. They rise slightly above the surface of the skin. The diameter of the wart can reach 5 mm. They are most often found in children and adolescents.

• filiform (acrochords)
  
  They are soft processes up to 4 mm long and, as a rule, are located on the neck, lips or eyelids. Their appearance is usually associated with a hormonal failure that has occurred in the body, for example, during pregnancy or menopause. The raised growths are often injured or cut off, but quickly grow back.

• senile warts or keratomas
  
  After 50 years, the so-called senile warts may appear on the face. They are not a consequence of the presence of the human papillomavirus in the body and are caused by pathological age-related changes in the skin. The lesions appear as small, light brown to black plaques with a rough or sometimes greasy surface.

Warts on the face are not only a cosmetic defect, but also an independent disease that requires adequate treatment. After a thorough examination, a dermatologist will be able to accurately determine the type of wart, and will also prescribe additional tests – a blood test for the presence of the human papillomavirus and a histological examination of the neoplasm.

Treatment of warts is carried out in two main directions: increasing the body’s immunity and removing the formation. The latter can be done using specialized chemicals or one of the surgical techniques (surgical excision, cryotherapy, radio wave and laser surgery). However, in the absence of immunomodulatory therapy, warts may reappear. Only a healthy immune system can protect the body from the manifestations of the virus.

What are flat warts and how to get rid of them

An incomprehensible speck has appeared on the skin.

Then another one.

Soon, a whole demonstration of unknown neoplasms is lined up on the face, hands or other areas.

These are usually flat warts.

Such formations are small smooth outgrowths up to three millimeters in diameter. They are almost invisible and rarely hurt.

Doctors call them juvenile warts, because neoplasms primarily affect children and adolescents.

There are always a lot of growths. Usually there are from 20 to 200 formations that are grouped in one area. A single wart almost does not differ from the skin. A large group of neoplasms stands out much more and often becomes a cosmetic problem.

Why do they grow?

Due to human papillomavirus or HPV. Scientists distinguish over 100 types of the disease, and flat warts cause types 3, 18, 28 and 49. These types of virus are benign, unlike other types that increase the risk of developing uterine and genital cancers.

Increases the likelihood of growths:

• Direct contact with wart carriers
• Scratches and other damage
• Touching an infected object
• Poor hygiene
• Weakened immunity due to disease or treatment

In most cases, a colony of warts surrounds scratches and wounds. Often, the virus enters the body through damage, so that neoplasms grow in the neighborhood.

Non-genital types of HPV affect up to 10% of the world’s population. Most of them are teenagers 12-16 years old. It is not for nothing that these growths are called juvenile warts, because children are more likely to become infected and spread the human papillomavirus.

They have tumors growing on different parts of the body.

Varieties of flat warts

All juvenile warts are almost the same. They are flesh or brown in color and only slightly raised above the skin. Therefore, they are difficult to detect.

By location, the growths are divided into:

1. Flat plantar warts
2. Flat warts on the face
3. Flat warts on the body

Neoplasms on the face cause the greatest problems. Yes, flesh-colored growths, even in large quantities, are almost invisible, but with a different color they stand out on the skin. Basically, patients want to remove the warts on the face.

Lesions on the legs and arms are less conspicuous. At the same time, neoplasms on the hands increase the risk of infecting people with whom you come into contact.

Should they be removed?

Hard to say. These warts are completely safe and never turn into malignant tumors. Yes, they are contagious. But there is no threat to health and life.

Why flat warts appear

We have already talked about this. Such neoplasms occur due to the human papillomavirus.

HPV enters the body. Mostly through scratches or cuts, but can also through undamaged skin. The virus affects the skin cells and they mutate – grow more than usual and form warts.

HPV is not only transmitted from person to person. It also spreads within the same body. For example, a teenager touches and scratches the growths on his face, and then touches his neck with his fingers. Now the focus of infection can occur there.

Or another example – flat warts appeared on the fingers. The person wiped his hands with a towel, and after a short time he also wiped his face – so the virus moved from his fingers to his cheeks or forehead.

Remember the cause of flat warts. This will help you effectively treat the growths and prevent them from returning.

When to see a doctor with flat warts

We recommend that you make an appointment with a dermatologist anyway. Yes, diagnosing growths is easy. Flat warts have characteristic signs and you can easily determine the type of neoplasm. However, there are also difficult cases.

Sometimes the growths do not look like typical flat warts. In such situations, you can’t do without the help of a doctor, because a dermatologist is much better versed in neoplasms. He can also do a dermatoscopy. This is the name of the study of education using a special apparatus – a dermatoscope.

So the doctor helps with the diagnosis.

What about the treatment of warts?

It is not necessary – in most patients, the formations disappear on their own. Yes, not immediately. Scientists conducted a study on this topic and found out the approximate life span of flat neoplasms. Up to 23% of warts disappear in two months. Up to 73% – in two years. That is, in a couple of years, most of the formations will disappear.

When should flat warts be removed?

Treatment required if growths:

• Bleeding
• Grow
• Change color

These are warning signs that are the best time to visit a dermatologist. The doctor will determine the degree of danger of formations. Sometimes they need to be removed. Usually – no.

So, operations are often carried out at the request of patients, and not because of medical necessity.

Treatment of flat warts

Although these growths disappear sooner or later, not all people are ready to wait for a joyful moment for months. They want to speed up this process.

For example, with the help of improvised means, salicylic acid is very popular, which gradually destroys wart tissue.

Unfortunately, this method has not been studied properly yet. No research has been done.

Physicians do not recommend the use of salicylic acid because it can leave scars and burns on the skin. For treatment of flat warts it is better to use proven methods. One option is that dermatologists prescribe special creams that irritate the top layer of growths. After processing, the neoplasm is simply torn off.

Creams are not always effective. Sometimes you can get rid of flat warts only by surgical methods.

How to remove flat warts

Doctors now remove neoplasms using different methods.

It is important to note that in rare cases, new growths appear after the operation. Therefore, be sure to consult a dermatologist about the treatment and its possible consequences.

Flat wart treatments:

• Surgical excision

Previously, this method was widely used, but now patients more often choose more technological methods. The doctor cuts out the wart with a scalpel. It also removes a thin layer of skin around the tumor, which prevents the tumor from returning. A wound remains in place of the wart. When healing, a scar appears.

• Cryotherapy

A dermatologist freezes a growth with liquid nitrogen. The wart gradually dies off and falls off – a wound forms in its place, which heals in a few weeks.

• Laser therapy

The doctor burns out the neoplasm. The tissues of the formation are completely destroyed, and the neighboring vessels are baked. The wound is covered with a protective crust and heals in three weeks.

The choice of the appropriate therapy depends on the location of the flat warts as there is a risk of scarring. The size of the lesion and the health of the patient affect the rate of healing.

Do not book an operation without consulting a dermatologist. He’ll tell you how to remove flat warts , and how to maintain healthy skin, without scars and scars.

Laser therapy is very popular. Many people prefer to eliminate neoplasms using this method.

Why?

Laser surgery simply outperforms other procedures in some ways.

Laser Flat Wart Removal

Treatment methods for warts are constantly improving. Until relatively recently, they were removed only with a scalpel, and now laser coagulation remains the most popular method.

Key benefits of laser flat wart removal:

• Safety

The operation does not cause severe complications. The laser beam destroys the formation cells, kills bacteria and prevents infection of the wound.

• Quick

The rate at which build-ups are removed depends on their size. Since flat warts are very small, doctors remove each of them in just a minute, and several dozen formations in half an hour.

• No bleeding

The laser beam heats up the vessels next to the wart so much that they are sealed and do not allow blood to pass through. No blood loss during treatment.

• Painless

The pulses of the laser beam are very short and the patient does not have time to feel the pain. Large growths are removed with anesthesia. Sometimes the doctor cools the tissue near the growths.

• Fast healing

After the removal of the wart, a small sore appears, which crusts over after a few days. This fragile protection lasts for about three weeks, and then disappears. Remains young skin.

• No scarring

The doctor operates with a thin beam of light and affects only the formation. The adjacent skin remains intact. With proper care, the wound heals completely and scar tissue does not form.

To get the full benefits of laser therapy, it is important to be treated in a well-equipped clinic by experienced doctors.

Yes, beauty salons also carry out such procedures.