What are the symptoms of a common verruca (wart) infection?

From the Guidelines

Common warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), are typically painless, multiple in number, and occur on any epithelial surface, although most commonly on the hands, feet, and around and under the nails. The symptoms of a common verruca (wart) infection include:

• Small, flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan bumps with a rough surface
• Black dots (clotted blood vessels) visible within the warts
• Warts may occur as single lesions or in clusters
• Usually painless, but can become tender if they grow in areas subject to pressure or friction
• May bleed if injured
• Can spread to other body areas through direct contact or by touching surfaces after touching a wart [ 1 ]. According to the most recent evidence, common warts are benign epithelial proliferations of the skin and are caused by human papillomaviruses [ 1 ]. It is worth noting that while the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts 2014 provide detailed recommendations for treatment, the question is focused on the symptoms of common warts, which are well described in the 2017 study [ 1 ]. Therefore, the focus should be on recognizing the symptoms and taking preventive measures to avoid spreading the infection, rather than on treatment options [ 1 ].

From the Research

Symptoms of Common Verruca (Wart) Infection

The symptoms of a common verruca (wart) infection are not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies mention the following characteristics of common warts:

• Common warts are benign skin growths caused by infection of the skin by human papillomavirus 2
• Warts are common in both childhood and adulthood and are spread by direct contact or autoinoculation 2
• Lesions can be extensive, painful, bleed, or lead to cosmetic disfigurement 3
• Plantar warts manifest as benign proliferation of the epithelial cells on the feet 4

Treatment Options

The studies discuss various treatment options for common warts, including:

• Topical treatments such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and imiquimod 5% cream 5, 6
• Intralesional treatments such as bleomycin and 5-fluorouracil 6
• Surgical treatments such as curettage and excision 6
• Immuno-modulatory therapy 2
• Combination treatment with salicylic acid and cryotherapy 3

Complications

The studies mention the following complications associated with common warts:

• Recalcitrant warts that do not respond to treatment 4
• Ring warts that can develop as a complication of cantharidin use 4
• Adverse effects such as pain, blistering, and scarring associated with cryotherapy 6