The Importance of Treating Your Verrucas Early

No one likes dealing with stubborn skin conditions, especially not verrucas. If you've noticed a verruca developing on your foot, it's vital to take action quickly. Let's delve into why.

What Is A Verruca?

A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a common type of wart that appears on the sole of the foot. They're usually flat and have a rough surface, unlike other kinds of warts which are raised above the skin's surface.

We've found some images of verrucas in different stages so you can see, but for a proper diagnosis you will need to visit your podiatrist or doctor.

What Causes Verrucas?

Verrucas are caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus thrives in warm, damp environments such as public pools and showers, making these places hotspots for verruca transmission. When this virus enters the body through a break in the skin, it can cause a verruca to form.

This is why it's important to use thongs or waterproof socks when walking in public pools and showers.

Symptoms of a verruca include pain or discomfort when walking or standing, and a small, rough growth on the bottom of your foot. You may also notice tiny black dots under the skin's surface; these are tiny blood vessels that supply the wart with nutrients.

Are Verrucas Painful?

Yes, but not always. Verrucas can indeed be painful, because they're located on the sole of your foot, you're constantly applying pressure to them every time you walk or stand. This can cause discomfort and in some cases, significant pain.

However, not everyone with verrucas experiences pain; some people may only notice a change in the skin's texture.

What Happens If You Don't Treat A Verruca

Ignoring treating your verruca is not advisable for several reasons:

1. They can be painful: As mentioned earlier, verrucas can cause discomfort and even pain, especially when walking or standing. If you don't treat them, they can become more and more painful.
2. Spread to other parts of your body: If left untreated, verrucas can spread to other areas on your foot or even to your hands. This is because the HPV virus can be transferred from one part of your body to another.
3. Spread to other people: Verrucas are contagious. If you walk barefoot in a public place, or share towels or shoes with others, you could potentially spread the virus to them.
4. Potential to grow and multiply: Over time, untreated verrucas can grow larger and multiply, leading to a cluster of warts.
5. Harder to treat over time: The longer you leave a verruca untreated, the more difficult it can become to get rid of it. This is because the virus has had more time to establish itself in your skin.
6. More serious health issues: While rare, in some cases, ignoring a verruca could lead to more serious health issues like malignant transformation where the wart turns into a skin cancer.

How To Treat for Verrucas

There are several treatment options available for verrucas. These include:

• Over-the-counter treatments: These often contain salicylic acid which works by breaking down the tough skin cells that form the wart. However, they can take several weeks to work and may not be effective for larger verrucas.
• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the verruca using liquid nitrogen. It can be a bit uncomfortable and may require multiple treatments to fully remove the wart.
• Professional podiatry treatment: A trained podiatrist can offer more effective treatments such as swift microwave therapy or surgical removal.

Each of these treatments comes with its own benefits and potential drawbacks, so it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about which option is best for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's crucial to treat verrucas early and not ignore them. By doing so, you can avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort, prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of your body or to other people, and avoid more serious health issues down the line.

If you or a loved one has a verruca, don't delay in seeking treatment. Remember, the earlier you treat a verruca, the easier it is to get rid of it and the less likely it is to cause further problems. Book today with Dan Everson, your experienced podiatrist on the Sunshine Coast.

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