VERRUCA (plantar wart)

Verrucae are warts (an infection of the epidermis with human papillomavirus, HPV), on the soles of the feet, occurring generally where skin has been cracked or broken. Similar to the common wart but pressed into the dermis by body weight, a verruca is a slightly raised, circular lesion with a thickened rim. Black dots (capillaries) give a pepper-pot appearance. May occur in groups and be painful; generally harmless and self limiting. To reduce risk of infecting others: do not share towels; do not go barefoot; when swimming, cover verrucae with waterproof plaster.