Verruca vulgaris is usually benign and most often occurs in areas that endure frequent mild trauma (e.g. fingers, fingernails, hands, knees and face). Hands are most commonly affected due to the increased probability of direct contact with HPV contaminated fomites. Autoinoculation is mainly observed in young children due to their inherent tendency to touch and scrape the surfaces of the already present warts leading to the spread of viral particles to unaffected skin. The clinical manifestation is strongly dependent upon the location of infection. Mild pain is reported in cases where warts are present in weight-bearing regions like the back of the feet. Morphological characteristics of common warts include [9]:

• Segregation - sharply demarcated
• Shape - round or irregular (e.g. the unusual types like pedunculated or cauliflower shaped warts most commonly appear in the scalp and neck area with a size ranging from as small as 1 mm to as large as 1 cm)
• Color - yellow, brown, light gray or gray-black 
• Size - 2 to 10 mm in diameter
• Texture - rough and firm
• Frequent locations - fingers, hands, knees, face, neck and elbows

• Weakness

  We assumed that the strong immune reaction to herpes virus infection may depend on strong IL-33 expression in the epidermis, while very weak immune reaction in samples from patients with VV may be due to low or no expression of IL-33 in the lesional epidermis [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  They also are common in people who have weak immune systems, such as those with HIV /AIDS and taking corticosteroid or immunospuressive medication. [m.webmd.com]

  However, they are likely to last longer if you have a weak immune system. Myth: You can be inoculated against warts and verrucas. Fact: This one’s partly true. [endwarts.co.uk]

  If you are considering using duct tape, you may want to discuss it with your GP so that you are fully aware of the treatment's potential benefits and weaknesses. [hse.ie]

• Hyperthermia

  Hyperthermia involves immersing the involved surface in hot water (113ºF) for 30-45 minutes, 2-3 times per week. [emedicine.medscape.com]

  Subiect Pag. din 3 USA 4357 Mesaje Stefana Romania 1028 Mesaje Veve USA 5036 Mesaje acum aflu de "negii" astia. bineinteles ca sunt o curioasa am cautat putin pe gugal, si la tratamente zice ca: Usually disappear on their own in 1-2 years Other options: Hyperthermia [forum.desprecopii.com]

  Photodynamic therapy Laser vaporisation H2 receptor antagonists Oral zinc oxide and zinc sulfate Applications of raw garlic or tea tree oil Immune stimulation using diphencyprone, or squaric acid Immunotherapy with Candida albicans or tuberculin PPD Hypnosis Hyperthermia [dermnetnz.org]

  Local hyperthermia at 44 degrees C for the treatment of plantar warts: a randomized, patient-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Huo W, Gao XH, Sun XP, et al. J Infect Dis. 2010 Apr 15;201(8):1169-72. 30. [passeportsante.net]

  Nonpharmacological therapies that are also used include adhesiotherapy, hypnosis, hyperthermia, propolis, and a number of plant extracts. [statpearls.com]

• Candidiasis

  […] khat chewing, [5], [6], [7], [8] can be accomplished via appropriate communication strategies by using printed materials and electronic media. [8] The clinical differential diagnosis of this case included verrucous leukoplakia, verrucous carcinoma, candidiasis [njcponline.com]

• Fatigue

  Such movement is governed by the rotator muscles of the hip, which can tighten under the extra load, becoming fatigued and painful. [telegraph.co.uk]

• Blister

  On the other hand, highest side effect for Group D is irritation 29(96.7%), then burning 22(73.3%), pain 11(36.7%), pruritus 06(20%), blister formation 04(13%) and erythema 01(3.3%). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  A blister may form and may contain blood. If the blister is bothersome, you may take the following steps: clean the blister with alcohol and nick the blister top with a clean needle. Gently press out the fluid and/or blood with a clean tissue. [childrens.com]

  The resultant blister or almost-blistered skin sloughs over days to weeks and lifts the wart infected skin off Surgery with a curette or scalpel can be used to physically remove Common Warts. [dovemed.com]

• Hyperkeratosis

  Microscopic Features: [1] Hyperkeratosis (more keratin - thick stratum corneum) - in "columns"; keratin in separate towers - not a flat thick sheet. Hypergranulosis (thicker stratum granulosum). [librepathology.org]

  Differential diagnosis Verruca vulgaris: Seborrheic keratosis: Variable combinations of hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, acanthosis Horn pseudocysts No hypergranulosis, koilocytes or tiers of parakeratosis Epidermal nevus: Hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis [pathologyoutlines.com]

  (Med J Indones 2008; 18: 135-8) Key words: papilloma viruses, hyperkeratosis, orthokeratosis Copyright (c) 2009 Mona S. Haroen, Herliyani M. Purba, Eddy Kartadjukardi, Sri A. [mji.ui.ac.id]

  parakeratosis, hypergranulosis, koilocytosis, and papillomatosis. verruca vulgaris verruca vulgaris Wart Dermatology A benign skin tumor induced by HPV and histologically characterized by hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

• Dermatitis

  acute + Dyshidrotic dermatitis + Eczema atopicum (dermatitis atopica) + Subacute and chronic (eczem) dermatitis + Microbial eczema + Granuloma gluteale infantum + Toxic contact (irritative) dermatitis, acute + Toxic contact (irritative) dermatitis, [atlases.muni.cz]

  Dermat., 15, 433 (1950). Article CAS Google Scholar Bunting, H., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. and Med., 84, 327 (1953). Article CAS Google Scholar Siegel, B. V., J. Invest. Dermat., 35, 91 (1960). Article CAS Google Scholar Brenner, S., and Horne, R. [nature.com]

  These include successful results in controlled trials on verruca vulgaris, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. On a further inspection, a giant verruca is found on another sofa. Jack then remembered the verruca and the puzzle piece. [dictionary.cambridge.org]

  Predisposing factors are hyperhidrosis, immunosuppression or atopic diathesis (children with atopic dermatitis seem to be more susceptible to viral inoculation). Autoinoculation is a typical phenomenon in children. [altmeyers.org]

  Warts are particularly common in: School-aged children, however they may occur at any age Dermatitis, due to a defective skin barrier People with drug-induced immunosuppression such as with long-term azathioprine or ciclosporin use, or have human immunodeficiency [dermnetnz.org]

• Petechiae

  Verruca vulgaris is a common cutaneous manifestation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection that presents as hyperkeratotic, cauliflower-like papules with central black petechiae. [nextstepsinderm.com]

  […] tag — Actinic keratosis — Squamous cell carcinoma — Linear epidermal nevus, inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus • For plane warts — Lichen planus — Lichenoid keratosis • For plantar wart (calluslike) — Callus — Corn — Talon noir (calcaneal petechiae [clinicaladvisor.com]

  May have minor pinpoint petechiae centrally within the lesions. These may appear as small black dots. Usually found over pressure areas. Flat because of pressure. May fuse with surrounding warts (mosaic warts - below). [patient.info]

  They may fuse or develop into clusters called mosaic warts.[5] Diagnosis[edit] A plantar wart is a small lesion that appears on the surface of the skin and typically resembles a cauliflower, with tiny black petechiae (tiny hemorrhages under the skin) [en.wikipedia.org]

• Eruptions

  A purpuric hand and foot eruption may occur. More Info: Erythema infectiosum [utmb.edu]

  Pagina 165 - Brown, JA The effects of early corticosteroid therapy on the skin eruption and pain of herpes zoster. JAMA. ‎ [books.google.it]

  A is incorrect because CMV infection presents with fever, pneumonitis, hepatitis, encephalitis, chorioretinitis, gastroenteritis and a wide variety of skin manifestations, including morbilliform eruption, blueberry muffin rash in babies and ulcers. [pathologyoutlines.com]

  Phototoxic and photoallergic reactions + Berloque dermatitis + Syndrome Favre-Racouchot + Actinic damage of the skin + Metabolic and nutrition problems + Pellagra + Rachitis, avitaminosis D + Scorbut, avitaminosis C + Drug reactions + Lichenoid drug eruptions [atlases.muni.cz]

  Possible adverse reactions of such agents are urticaria and skin eruptions, but show success in resolution of warts [20]. [clinmedjournals.org]

• Confusion

  Molluscum contagiosum – The large viral inclusions of molluscum should not be confused with the very large basophilic inclusions which may be seen in some verrucae (figure 2). [dermnetnz.org]

The clinical presentation often helps in accurate diagnosis of warts. Skin biopsy of warts is generally not performed. The most important feature to look out for include:

• Absence of skin lines across the surface
• Occurrence of thrombosed capillaries (pinpoint black dots) 
• Bleeding from warts when shaved

Histological tests to detect and identify the structural proteins are mainly conducted when the warts are treatment resistant or when presented in immunocompromised patients. Low sensitivity is the major disadvantage of this test. Molecular analytical techniques like southern blot hybridization is more sensitive and specific for detecting and identifying the HPV type. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect the presence of specific viral DNA. However, it should be noted that HPV can only be detected in relatively younger lesions.

• Candida

  Thus immune modulators, including Candida immunotherapy, are used to treat persistent recalcitrant and multiple verrucas simultaneously. Very few side effects are reported with Candida immunotherapy; they include vitiligo and now halo nevi. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Conclusions Intralesional injection of mumps or Candida antigens into warts of immune individuals represents effective treatment. [thedoctorsdoctor.com]

HPV infection does not have a cure in modern medicine and therapies are mainly available for removal of warts. Patients respond differently towards different treatment and none is found to be 100% effective [6] [10]. The course of treatment mainly depends upon the site of infection and sometimes more than one treatment method is required for effective management [1]. Medical intervention is often necessary for individuals with spreading, extensive and painful warts or persistent warts aged over 2 years. The least invasive, time consuming and pricey methods are to be tried first before going in for costly and invasive procedures.

Usage of topical agents, intralesional injections and systemic agents are some of the noninvasive procedures that are available. Many topical agents are available for treating common warts. Application of topical agents is generally done by a trained personnel under medical supervision. Salicylic acid (SCA) is one of the important topical agents used for treating warts [11]. SCA can be applied in many forms, liquid, or as a plaster or as SCA impregnated tape. Another topical agent in common use is cantharidin. It is a blistering agent extracted from the blister beetle. Contact with cantharidin results in epidermal necrosis and blistering which in turn help in the destruction of warts. It is used as a mono therapy agent or as an add-on therapy agent (1%) in combination with Podophyllum (5%) and SCA (30%) in collodion base. Formerly vitamin A was also used as a topical agent for treating common warts [1]. Dibutyl squaric acid commonly termed as squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) and diphencyclopropenone (DCP) are the other two contact immunotherapueatic agents used to treat warts. Trichloroacetic acid is used as a tissue necrotic agent to remove isolated warts by tissue destruction.

Treatment of isolated lesions is carried out using laser surgery and electrodesiccation with curettage or both. The major disadvantage of these procedures are that at times it may cause permanent scarring. Electrocautery and cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen (-196ºC) are the other two extremely effective but painful treatment options. The procedure involves the careful application of liquid nitrogen using cryospray or cotton bud applicator to the affected area covering 1-2 mm of surrounding normal skin. The procedure has to be repeated every 1-4 weeks depending on the size and severity of the infection for at least 3 months for complete removal of warts.

Carbon dioxide laser has been yet another high-precision technique used to remove warts via incision and excision of tissues with subsequent sealing of minute blood vessels. Better prognosis with a less chance of postoperative morbidity and related complications are the major plus points of carbon dioxide laser treatment. Another major advantage of CO2 laser therapy is its excellent long term results. This method is mainly used to manage intraepithelial neoplastic lesions. The excision can be performed following two different methods:

• Vaporization of the lesion until healthy tissue is seen underneath.
• Usage of beam as a blade to remove lesions covering appropriate margins of healthy skin in order to prevent any future autoinoculation. This method is more effective when compared to the vaporization technique.

Warts are most common among children and in teenagers between ages 18 and 20. The prognosis is relatively fair and recurrence is mainly reported in immunocompromised patients. Resistance towards treatment and recurrence of infection is frequently encountered while managing HPV infections in immunocompromised patients. External factors like persistent localized trauma (e.g. in patients who are athletes, mechanics, butchers) are considered as risk factors for contracting the infection and for the recurrence of HPV infection. New HPV warts reappear in about 35% of cases within 1 year of primary infection. Spontaneous disappearance of warts without scarring occurs in one half and two-third of cases within the first and second year of infection respectively [8]. The disappearance of wart without scarring is termed as spontaneous regression or involution. Scarring is the common side effect of removal of warts by medical intervention and such practices should avoid to prevent the formation of multiple scars in case of recurrence. Common warts beneath the fingernails (subungual warts) are difficult to treat as most of treatment options available are ineffective and may also lead to nail damage.

HPV is a double-stranded DNA virus with a circular genome enclosed in an icosahedral protein cover. Warts are generally seen on the back of phalanges or on the knees. The major HPV types reported are HPV-2 and HPV-4. The other types of HPV causing warts are HPV-1, HPV-3, HPV-27 and HPV-57. The identification of the type of HPV does not help in the treatment of warts [1]. Major sites of infection include regions enduring frequent mechanical stress and strain resulting in minor epithelial damage such that the virus can gain access to the otherwise impenetrable barrier. Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact or indirectly via fomites. Using common swimming pools and bathrooms may lead to the spread of infection, where the virus gain entry through the damaged skin [1]. Patients already infected with HPV may get re-infected (autoinoculation) via scraping, shaving or by minor skin aberrations [2] [3].

Verruca vulgaris is universal in occurrence, concerning around 7 to 12% of the total population. HPV is capable of infecting individuals of all ages, but is most frequently seen in children with peak incidence during teenage years, after which there is a sharp decline [4]. The prevalence of common warts varies dramatically in different age groups, with different geographic location and time. Verruca vulgaris accounts for about 70% of all the warts that are presented clinically [5]. The prevalence of warts was estimated to be approximately 0.84% and 12.9% in the United States and Russia, respectively, based on the observations of two separate populations based studies in the respective countries.

Warts can affect the epithelial membranes anywhere in the body. They gain access via minute skin aberrations. The exact mechanism by which they reach the basal or proliferating squamous epithelium is not fully understood [6] [7]. The presentation of warts occurs after a specific incubation period of the virus inside the host. The HPV, once inside the host injects its genome into the host cell leading to uncontrolled cell replication and increased blood supply to the site which in turn help them to multiply rapidly [7]. The site of replication of HPV is restricted to differentiated epithelial cells of the upper region of the epidermis. HPV is incapable of penetrating beyond this level to have a systemic dissemination and infection. Viral particles can be observed in the basal layer also. Histopathologic studies of site of infection reveal the presence of pronounced papillomatous epidermis and overlying tiers of parakeratosis along with hypergranulomatosis. Other pronounced observations include presence of large pink inclusions in the upper epidermis, especially in the incidence of acral skin. Presence of vacuolated keratinocytes (also known as koilocytes) with a small shrunken nucleus encircled by a perinuclear clearing area are also observed. Smaller basophilic granules are also found in some lesions.

Most of the cases are benign with no manifestations, especially in immunocompetent individuals. In such individual antibody mediated immunity provides protection and cell mediated immunity helps in regression of already present infection. Immunocompromised patients with HIV infection or those who have undergone kidney transplant or other organ transplantation have a higher risk of contracting infection with lesions that are resistant to treatment. Recommendations for preventing infections in such patients include

• Avoid physical contact with warts on other individual’s body.
• Avoid autoinoculation by touching the warts present in one's own body.
• While in public utility spaces, wear protective shoes or gloves to prevent direct skin contact with an inanimate surface that may be contaminated with HPV particles.

Verruca vulgaris (common wart) is a common, epidermal lesion caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) of skin areas that frequently endure minor trauma. They are often seen in areas beneath the nail and cuticle. Over 100 types of HPV are known to cause the infection. Warts are mainly transmitted by direct contact or by autoinoculation. Presently there is no treatment available to cure the infection. Removal of warts using topical agents, systemic agents, surgical methods, intralesional injections, laser treatment, cryotherapy and electrodessication are prescribed in cases of substantial spreading of warts or when they persist over 2 years. Major risk factors for contracting infection include usage of common showers, occupational meat handling and immune suppression.

Verruca vulgaris (common wart) is a non-cancerous skin growth that appears on the top layer of skin as a result of localized human papilloma viral (HPV) infection. HPVs are small DNA viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. Warts are mainly seen in children and young adults. Most of the warts have a rough texture with light or dark nodulated surface. The spread of infection mainly occurs through direct contact with warts of other individuals or through fomites contaminated with viral particles. Autoinoculation occurs when the infection spread to other part of the body in an already infected person by touching or scratching of warts. The main sites of infection include hands, fingers/toe beds and knees.

Common warts are generally harmless and spontaneously disappear and therefore treatment is not required in most of the cases. Approximately 65% of warts goes away within 2 years of infection without any medical intervention. However, it should be noted that there is always a risk of enlargement and spreading of infection to other areas via autoinoculation (self-inoculation).

Medical attention is required in the presence of widespread/symptomatic /persistent or spreading warts over 2 years. Spontaneous resolution is difficult and resistance to treatment occurs in adults, immunocompromised patients (e.g. HIV infection and organ transplant patients) and those with persistent warts [1].

Treatment options available include usage of topical agents, systemic agents, intra lesional injections, cryotherapy, laser therapy, electro dessication and surgical excision. Warts in nail and toe bed areas are usually resistant to treatment. Liquid nitrogen can be used in such areas (cryotherapy).

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3. Chow KM. Physicians need more evidence on treatments of warts. Am Fam Physician. 2003;68(9):1714-1716.
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10. Goldfarb MT, Gupta AK, Gupta MA, Sawchuk WS. Office therapy for human papillomavirus infection in nongenital sites. Dermatol Clin. 1991; 9(2):287-96.
11. Kwok CS, Gibbs S, Bennett C, Holland R, Abbott R. Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012; 9:CD001781.