A wart is a fleshy growth on the skin caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). A Verruca is another name for a type
of wart (plantar warts) that is usually found on the soles of the feet. About one in ten people have warts at any one time and nearly
everyone has at least one wart at some point in their lives. The virus is more prevalent among children and adolescents.
There are over 150 different subtypes of the human papilloma virus (HPV) responsible for warts. Certain types of the virus are more likely to cause warts on different parts of the body. Warts occur more commonly on areas of skin that are likely to be damaged, such as fingers, elbows, knees and the face. Although warts can be unsightly and embarrassing for people who have them, the common type of wart generally causes no harm and most will eventually disappear by themselves within six months to two years.
Traditional Treatments
Silver nitrate is another non-prescription treatment that also
burns away warts. In addition to 'over-the-counter' medications there are several other chemical treatments that are available on
prescription including formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and podophyllin.
One of the most common treatments for warts is Cryotherapy,
which uses a spray of liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. Once treated a blister develops, followed by a
scab, which falls off a week to ten days later, removing the wart. The risks from cryotherapy include scarring, ulceration, or pigment
alteration. Often medical practitioners will surgically remove the wart using a curette to scrape the wart away. With all surgery
there is the possibility of scarring and in addition surgical removal of the wart carries a small risk of spreading the virus.
In most cases warts and veruccae that are treated with lasers
are permanently removed after one treatment. In contrast to surgical removal, laser treatment causes no scarring, and generally requires
no anaesthesia making it particularly suitable for the treatment of children.