How do I get a verruca?

A verruca develops where human papilloma virus affects the skin. The human papilloma virus is spread by direct contact. Therefore areas of our body that come into contact with either other people's bodies or areas where other people have been, are most prone to get this infection.

Therefore when we are thinking of warts, there are most commonly found on the hands but can also be found on the face - particularly around the mouth and nose area. Of course in sexual contact, they can be found around the sexual organs.

As far as verrucas were concerned, the same principles apply. Although it is unlikely that someone is going to have direct contact with another person's foot, human papilloma virus can be spread by either walking on wet ground where someone with a human papilloma virus infection (or verruca) has previously walked (classically in swimming pools and in changing rooms), or wearing other peoples shoes, socks or other footwear.

For the human papilloma virus to get into the skin and cause a wart or verruca, the chance of getting a verruca increases if the skin is damaged. This might be direct damage such as a cut or graze but also can be a breakdown of the skin by maceration - this is what happens to your skin when it has been wet for a long period of time and starts to get crinkly or look white. You will see this if you have been lying in the bath for a long time and your hands and feet get crinkley and turn white.
 

What problems do verrucas cause?

Many verrucas do not cause any problems at all to the person with them. However they are socially unacceptable in that by having a verruca, a person is very contagious and is highly likely to be spreading verrucas to other people.

If a verruca is on weight-bearing area, such as the hardened skin on the heel, side of the foot or ball of the foot, or on the underside or tips of toes, then they verruca can be very uncomfortable on standing or walking.