Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
Chapter 1: What are verrucas and where do they commonly appear?
Why do we get Verrucas? Thanks for asking. Also known as plantar warts, Verrucas are usually found on the soles of the feet, but can sometimes be seen between the toes or on the heel too. You may remember catching one at your school swimming lessons as a child. Verrucas have a reputation for being a nuisance. Firstly, let's face it, like all kinds of warts, they're pretty unsightly.
Chapter 2: What causes verrucas and how do they develop?
They look like small, rough, thickened skin. But that's not the only reason why they're a pain. If you're unlucky, they can take time to go away and come back over and over again. Verrucas are grown inwards and have a black pinpoint in the center which is called the wart seed. That's basically where your blood has clotted on the surface of the skin. So what are the main causes behind Verrucas?
Chapter 3: Are verrucas dangerous and how can they affect you?
They're actually brought on by a viral infection, known as human papillomavirus, or HPV for short. It has over a hundred different strains. That means Verrucas affect children and teenagers in particular, with one in three getting them at some stage according to Patient.info. Verrucas are rarer in adults precisely because the immune system gradually adapts to deal with them more effectively.
The virus enters the body through tiny cuts or broken skin, but the Verruca itself might not actually appear for weeks or even months after infection. Are they dangerous? Generally speaking, Verrucas are harmless and go away on their own. That said, they can sometimes be tricky to get rid of and have a nasty tendency of coming back.
Of course, you're putting weight on your feet every time you walk, which can cause pain and, depending on the exact location of the Verruca, your shoes might rub against it too. If it's really bothering you, you may want to seek out treatment.
Chapter 4: What treatment options are available for verrucas?
Various options are available over the counter in pharmacies like creams, plasters and sprays. It may also be possible to have your doctor freeze the Veruca using minus 196 degrees Celsius liquid nitrogen on it for about five seconds so that it eventually drops off. But even then the risk of it coming back is quite high. Do you have any tips for avoiding getting a Veruca?
it's best not to share footwear or towels with anyone or walk barefoot in public areas like swimming pools and changing rooms in particular. If you do end up with a verruca, make sure you don't pick at it as that will only make things worse and you could even spread the virus elsewhere in your body. There you have it. Now you know why we get verrucas.
Chapter 5: How can you prevent getting a verruca?
In under three minutes, we answer your questions. What would you like to know about? Use the comments section to send us your questions.