What Causes a Verruca? Unraveling the Mystery of Foot Warts

That stubborn, sometimes painful spot on the bottom of your foot – a verruca – can be a real nuisance. But what exactly causes these unwelcome visitors? Let's delve into the science behind verrucae and understand how they take hold.

The Culprit: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The primary cause of verrucae is the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a common group of viruses that can infect the skin's surface. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and the types that typically cause verrucae are usually different from those that cause genital warts. These specific strains thrive in warm, moist environments.

How Does the Virus Get In?

HPV enters the skin through tiny breaks or cracks in the outer layer. These microscopic openings can occur due to:

• Minor cuts or scrapes: Even small abrasions on the soles of your feet or around your toes can provide an entry point for the virus.

• Damaged skin: Conditions like dry, cracked skin can make it easier for the virus to penetrate.

• Weakened skin barrier: Prolonged exposure to moisture can soften the skin, making it more susceptible to infection.

The Ideal Breeding Ground: Warm and Moist Environments

Verruca-causing HPV thrives in warm, damp places. This is why you're more likely to pick up the virus in communal areas like:

• Swimming pools and changing rooms: The warm, humid floors are ideal for the virus to survive.

• Communal showers: Similar to swimming pools, these areas provide a perfect environment for transmission.

• Gyms and yoga studios: Shared mats and floors can harbour the virus.

Walking barefoot in these environments increases your risk of coming into contact with the virus.

How Does it Spread?

Once the virus enters the skin, it can take weeks or even months for a verruca to become visible. During this incubation period, you might not even know you're infected. Verrucae can spread through:

• Direct contact: Touching a verruca, either your own or someone else's, can spread the virus.

• Indirect contact: Walking barefoot on surfaces contaminated with the virus can lead to infection.

• Autoinoculation: If you have a verruca, picking or scratching it can spread the virus to other parts of your own foot or even your hands.

Why Do Some People Get Verrucae and Others Don't?

Not everyone who comes into contact with HPV will develop verrucae. Several factors play a role in whether an infection takes hold:

• Immune system: A healthy immune system is more likely to fight off the virus before it can cause a verruca. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.

• Skin integrity: As mentioned earlier, breaks in the skin are necessary for the virus to enter.

• Individual susceptibility: Some people are simply more prone to viral infections than others.

• Viral load: The amount of virus you are exposed to can also influence whether an infection develops.

Are Verrucae Hereditary?

While there isn't a direct genetic link to getting verrucae, family members might be exposed to the same environments and therefore have a higher chance of contracting the virus.

Prevention is Key:

While you can't entirely eliminate the risk of encountering HPV, you can take steps to minimize your chances of developing verrucae:

• Wear flip-flops or sandals in communal changing rooms, showers, and around swimming pools.

• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas.

• Keep your feet clean and dry.

• Cover any cuts or abrasions on your feet with a plaster.

• Don't touch or pick at verrucae, either your own or someone else's.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your feet.

• Avoid sharing towels and socks.

In Conclusion:

Verrucae are caused by specific types of the human papillomavirus that enter the skin through small breaks, often thriving in warm, moist environments. While not everyone exposed to the virus will develop a verruca, understanding the causes and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk. If you do develop a verruca, remember that professional treatment from a podiatrist is often the most effective way to get rid of it. Book in via our website