What are verrucas and 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.