Common Warts
Verruca vulgaris
This is a common wart, or verruca, in the area bellow the big toe of an adolescent. They are very common and usually resolve spontaneously.
Features
These lesions are usually multiple, raised, hyperkeratotic and are commonly found on the hands. They are often painful, especially if occuring around the nail bed. Common warts demonstrate the Koebner phenomenon, occuring in areas of recent trauma.
Incidence
Very common, particularly in children between 5 and 10 years old. They are more common in immunosuppressed patients, in which case, they are much more resistant to treatment.
Aetiology
Benign cutaneous tumours caused by the human papilloma virus.
Treatment
These lesions usually resolve spontaneously (65% of warts disappear spontaneously within 2 years). Close fitting rubber "socks" or barrier creams should be worn in communal showers and swimming pools to prevent transmission of the virus.
Salicylic acid paints and cryotherapy are sometimes employed to hasten resolution.
