Warts and Verrucas & Corns and Calluses Flashcards
What causes warts and verrucas?
human papilloma virus (HPV)
What are symptoms of warts and verrucas?
Raised lesions with a roughened surface Plantar warts (verrucas) occur on the weight-bearing areas of the sole and heel.
Warts have a network of capillaries and these may be visible as black dots
When do symptoms disappear?
naturally within 6 months to 2 years
Where are warts normally found?
hands, fingers, knees either single or in crops
Where are verrucas found?
soles of the feet, weight bearing areas
When to refer?
- Facial warts
- Change in appearance (size&colour) of a wart - may suggest skin cancer
- Bleeding
- Itching
- Genital warts
- Immunocompromised pts
- No significant improvement within 3 months of OTC tx
- Diabetics
What are tx options for warts and verrucas?
- Salicylic acid softens and destroys skin, therefore aiding the removal of infected tissue
- Lactic acid is an antimicrobial keratolytic that enhances availability of salicylic acid - Cryotherapy OTC products have little evidence supporting their use but can be tried and the wart should come away in about 10 days
- Duct tape is comparable to OTC cryotherapy in effectiveness
- Glutaraldehyde
What counselling points can be given so that treatment works more effectively?
Soak the affected hand or foot in warm water for 5-10 minutes
Remove dead skin with the use of a pumice stone or emery board
Avoid transferring infection by exposing others to the skin of the infected site
What salicylic acid preps have age restrictions and what are they?
Compound W = >6 years
Bazuka Extra Strength = >2 years
What salicylic acid and lactic acid preps have age restrictions and what are they?
Bazuka >2 years
Duofilm >2 years
Name other salicylic acid preps.
Occlusal
Verrugon
Wartex
Name other salicylic acid and lactic acid preps
- Cuplex
- Salactol
- Salatac
What is the OTC name for glutaldehyde?
Glutarol
What are the main side effects of the wart and verruca preparation?
Local irritation
How can you differentiate from a corn or verruca?
remove the top layer of the skin - if black spots are visible this is a verruca, if not, thi indicates a corn