Verrucas are warts
A wart is generally a small, rough,
cauliflower-like growth, typically on
hands and feet. Warts are common, and
are caused by a viral infection,
specifically by the Human Papilloma
Virus (HPV). Some scientists believe
they are also caused by stress. They
typically disappear after a few months
but can last for years and can
recur.
A few Papilloma viruses are known to
cause cancer. Certain types of warts,
depending on location and cause, can be
contagious from region to region, but
are not transferable between species
(you can’t catch
them from your pet).
Verrucas (also known as plantar warts)
are warts caused by the human papilloma
virus (HPV). They are small lesions
that appear on the sole of the foot
(hence the name, from Latin planta
pedis, the sole of the foot) and are
typically "cauliflower-esque" in
appearance. They may have small black
specks within them that ooze blood when
the surface is shaved; these are
abnormal capillaries.
Though "plantar wart" refers
specifically to HPV infection on the
sole of the foot, infection by the
virus is possible anywhere on the body
and common especially on the palm of
the hand, where the appearance of the
wart is often exactly as described
above for plantar warts. Due to
pressure on the soles of the feet, a
layer of hard skin forms over the wart.
A plantar wart may or may not be
painful.
It can be spread in communal showers,
around swimming pools, sharing shoes,
etc.