Viral Warts

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

A very common, non-cancerous growth of the skin caused by an infection with Human Papilloma Virus

Question 2

Who does it affect?

Answer 2

Very common in school aged children and also the immunocompromised

Question 3

How is it spread?

Answer 3

Direct skin-to-skin contact or by autoinoculation (if wart is scratched or poked can spread elsewhere)

Question 4

Is there an incubation period?

Answer 4

Yes, and it can be as long as 12 months

Question 5

What does it do?

Answer 5

Causes an overgrowth of Keratin in the skin which results in a hard surface with black dots that represents thrombosed capillaries

Question 6

Where do they occur?

Answer 6

Usually on the hands and feet (verrucas), but can also occur on mucous membranes (oral and genital) which are referred to as Squamous Cell Papillomas

Question 7

Signs and Symptoms (4)

Answer 7

Hard growth, cauliflower appearance, black dots, inverted growth on soles of feet

Question 8

Are there any complications?

Answer 8

Malignant change is rare but it is possible to transform into a Verrucuous Carcinoma

Question 9

What is the treatment? (5)

Answer 9

*Need to stimulate the immune system into dealing with them, wart paint containing salicyclic acid, filing with an emery board, cryotherapy, electrosurgery