verruga

Verruga, or wart, is a benign skin lesion caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts commonly appear on hands and feet as small, rough growths with a well-defined border. They may be skin-colored, gray, or brown and can be painful when located on weight-bearing areas of the foot.

There are several well-recognized types of verrugas: verruga vulgar (common warts), verruga plantaris (plantar warts on the soles), verruga plana (flat warts, usually on the face or limbs), and verrugas filiformes (long, thread-like warts on the face). Lesions may occur singly or in clusters and can spread by autoinoculation or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Causes and transmission: HPV infection occurs through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, often entering through tiny breaks in the skin. Most infections are transient and may disappear without treatment, particularly in people with healthy immune systems. Immunosuppressed individuals may develop more extensive or persistent warts.

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis is typically clinical. Many warts resolve spontaneously over months to years. Treatments range from home remedies such as salicylic acid preparations and occlusion to clinician-administered options like cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, cantharidin, electrosurgery, laser therapy, or immunotherapy. Persistent or painful lesions, or those on the face or genitals, may require specialist evaluation.

Prevention and prognosis: Warts are usually benign and self-limited, but recurrences are common. To reduce transmission, avoid direct contact with warts, do not share personal items, and maintain good hand and foot hygiene. In public showers or pools, wear footwear and keep skin dry.

Note: In some contexts, "verruga peruana" refers to the cutaneous lesions of Carrion's disease (Bartonella bacilliformis), not HPV-related, occurring in Andean regions.