Spot the Spot: How to Identify a Verruca

That small, sometimes annoying, growth on the bottom of your foot – could it be a verruca? These common viral infections can be easily mistaken for other skin conditions like corns or calluses. Early identification is key to getting the right treatment and preventing them from spreading. So, let's take a closer look at how to identify a verruca.

What Exactly is a Verruca?

First things first, a verruca (plural: verrucae) is a wart on the sole of the foot or around the toes. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus that causes warts on other parts of the body. However, because they are on weight-bearing areas, they tend to be flatter and pushed inwards, often with a rough, cauliflower-like surface.

Key Characteristics to Look For:

While appearances can vary slightly, here are some tell-tale signs that the spot on your foot might be a verruca:

• Location: Verrucae are most commonly found on the soles of the feet (especially the heel and ball) and around the toes – areas that experience pressure.

• Appearance:

  • Rough, bumpy surface: Unlike the smooth, hard texture of a corn or callus, a verruca often has a raised, uneven surface that can feel slightly spongy.

  • Cauliflower-like texture: If you look closely, you might see small black dots within the lesion. These are actually tiny, thrombosed (clotted) blood vessels, a hallmark sign of a verruca.

  • Flat or slightly raised: Due to the pressure of walking, verrucae on the soles of the feet tend to be flatter and pushed inwards rather than sticking out like common warts on other body parts.

• Pain on Pressure: This is a crucial distinguishing factor. While corns and calluses can also be painful, verrucae often cause pain when you pinch them from the sides, rather than direct pressure on top. This is because the nerve endings are compressed by the inward growth.

• Small Black Dots: As mentioned earlier, these are a very strong indicator of a verruca. Try gently scraping the surface (if comfortable) – you might reveal these tiny black specks.

• Multiple Lesions (Mosaic Warts): Sometimes, several small verrucae can cluster together in a larger area. These are known as mosaic warts and can be more challenging to treat.

• Interruption of Skin Lines: The normal skin lines on your foot may be disrupted or appear to go around a verruca, rather than through it, as they would with a corn or callus.

Things That Might Be Confused with Verrucae:

It's easy to mistake verrucae for other foot conditions:

• Corns: These are hard, thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure or friction. They typically have a smooth, cone-shaped core and are usually painful with direct pressure.

• Calluses: These are also thickened areas of skin, but they are generally larger and less defined than corns. They are usually painless or cause a dull ache under pressure.

• Foreign Bodies: Sometimes, a splinter or other small object embedded in the skin can resemble a verruca initially.

When to Seek Professional Help:

While some people try over-the-counter remedies for verrucae, it's always best to consult a podiatrist if:

• You are unsure if it's a verruca. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

• The lesion is painful or interfering with your daily activities.

• You have diabetes or a compromised immune system. Self-treating foot problems can be risky in these cases.

• The verruca is spreading or there are multiple lesions.

• Over-the-counter treatments haven't worked.

Don't Play the Guessing Game!

Identifying a verruca can sometimes be tricky. As podiatrists, we have the expertise to accurately diagnose your foot condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. If you suspect you have a verruca, don't hesitate to book an appointment here. Getting it properly identified and treated is the first step towards happy, healthy feet!