Warts and Verrucas
November 9, 2008
Warts are caused by a human papilloma-virus, which most frequently affects the hands, feet and anogenital region. Warts have a rough surface, irregular shape and aclear defined borders. There is sometims a black spots in the centre, which are dead blood vessels. Sideways pressure may hurt. Verrucas (or planter warts) affect the feet and grow into the sole of the foot and can cause pain on walking.
Salicylic acid, lactic acid and silver nitrate are skin dissolving agents.
Glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde act directly on the virus and dry out the wart.
Podophyllin acts by preventing skin cell division.
When should I ask the pharmacist for advice ?
• If you have diabetes or circulatory disorders.
• If the warts is on the face or genitals.
• If you have a large number of warts or verrucas.
• If the skin is cracked or bleeding.
Self Help Advice
• Hard skin should be removed with a pumice stone or emery board before applying a product.
• Warts and verrucas should not be removed with a knife or razor blade.
• The medication used should be applied to the wart or verruca only, as it may damage the surrounding skin.
• Treatment can be a long process, so you should not to expect instant results and to use the treatment regularly and carefully until the wart or verruca has completely disappeared.
• Podophyllin is harmful in pregnacy, so should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Verrucas and warts are contagious between people, and can spead on your body. To avoid spreading warts and verrucas, you should not walk barefoot in wet areas, use use flip flops or verruca socks in swimming pools, and to use our own towel.
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