Verruca is a common and contagious skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus. It is characterized by small, round growths known as warts which can affect any part of the body and are most frequently seen on hands and feet. They also appear more often in children than adults due to their vulnerable immune systems. Verrucas can present in many ways, from itchy and painful to barely perceptible. Additionally, their size may range drastically, with some being smaller than the tip of your finger while others are much more apparent. Whether smooth or rough-textured, these growths can affect anyone but vary significantly on an individual basis.
Verrucas can be a nuisance, and no one-size treatment exists to eliminate them. However, topical medications such as salicylic acid or cryotherapy (freezing) are often recommended to reduce their appearance over several weeks – but with the potential for side effects throughout the process. Alternatively, some may opt out of any medical intervention due to warts naturally diminishing on their own, eventually given enough time.
When standard treatments don’t yield the desired results, physicians may recommend alternative approaches to get rid of verrucas. This includes using laser therapy with light beams that concentrate on cells affected by HPV; or photodynamic therapy – which combines drugs and light for cellular destruction. It is crucial for people who have contracted verruca to actively protect others from being affected. To ensure successful spread prevention and complete healing, regular hand washing and ensuring not to come into contact with another person’s warts are essential steps.