From the Guidelines
No, Verruca vulgaris is not a sexually transmitted infection. Verruca vulgaris, commonly known as a common wart, is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 1,2,4, and 7, which are different from the HPV types that cause genital warts or are associated with cervical cancer 1. Common warts are typically transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, especially when there are small breaks in the skin. They most commonly appear on the hands, fingers, and around nails, though they can develop elsewhere on the body.
Key Points
- The virus can remain dormant in skin cells for months before causing visible warts, and the body's immune system often clears the infection over time, though this process may take months to years.
- Treatment options include over-the-counter salicylic acid preparations, cryotherapy (freezing) by a healthcare provider, laser therapy, or surgical removal for persistent warts.
- According to the most recent study, most cases of common warts will eventually spontaneously regress, with 30% regressing within 6 months and approximately 60% within 2 years 1.
- The use of condoms may reduce transmission to uninfected partners, but it is not fully protective because HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom 1.
Management
The management of Verruca vulgaris infections usually involves chemical or physical destruction of the infected epithelium and includes techniques such as freezing with liquid nitrogen, application of salicylic acid-based products or tretinoin (retinoic acid) cream, surgical (paring) or laser removal, and use of topical immunomodulating agents 1. The most effective treatment should be chosen based on the patient's specific condition and medical history.
From the Research
Verruca Vulgaris and Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Verruca vulgaris, also known as common warts, are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection 2, 3, 4.
- However, the type of HPV that causes verruca vulgaris is different from the type that causes genital warts, which are typically sexually transmitted 5.
- A study found that verruca vulgaris of the vulva can occur in children and adults, and is likely not transmitted sexually 5.
- The study suggested that HPV testing can help distinguish between verruca vulgaris and condyloma acuminata, which is a sexually transmitted infection 5.
Treatment and Transmission
- Verruca vulgaris can be treated with various methods, including cryotherapy, salicylic acid, and imiquimod 5% cream 2, 3, 4, 6.
- The transmission of verruca vulgaris is not typically sexual, but rather through skin-to-skin contact or autoinoculation 3, 5.
- A study found that the combination of topical salicylic acid with lactic acid is a safer treatment option for verruca vulgaris compared to cryotherapy 6.
Key Findings
- Verruca vulgaris is not typically considered a sexually transmitted infection 5.
- The treatment of verruca vulgaris depends on the severity and location of the wart, as well as the patient's overall health 2, 3, 4, 6.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the transmission and treatment of verruca vulgaris 3, 5.