Warts and verrucas
Overview
Warts and verrucas are small lumps on the skin that most people have at some point in their life. They usually go away on their own but may take months or even years.
Symptoms
Warts are not harmful, but some people find them itchy, painful or embarrassing. Verrucas are more likely to be painful – like standing on a needle. You can treat warts if they bother you, keep coming back or are painful.
Causes
HPV virus. Contagious via skin contact/surfaces.
Treatment
A GP may be able to freeze a wart or verruca so it falls off a few weeks later. Sometimes it takes a few sessions. Check with the GP if the NHS pays for this treatment in your area. If treatment has not worked or you have a wart on your face, the GP might refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist). If you have a large or very painful verruca, you may be referred to a foot specialist (podiatrist). A podiatrist can provide a number of treatments including: stronger medicines than you can get from a pharmacistfreezing the verruca using liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)surgery to remove the verruca using a scalpel or laser You can also pay to see a podiatrist privately.
Prevention
Don't share towels; Wear flip-flops in pools; Don't pick.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: painful; bleeding; spreading; or on face/genitals.