These are common viral infections that cause lesions on the foot. On the bottom of the foot, they are often called a plantar verruca.
Warts and verrucae are essentially the same thing and are often used interchangeably to describe a specific type of skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The main difference lies in their terminology and usage.
The term “wart” is a general term used to describe any type of growth or bump on the skin caused by HPV infection. Warts can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, face, and genitals. They typically have a rough, raised surface and can vary in size and shape.
On the other hand, the term “verruca” specifically refers to warts that develop on the soles of the feet, commonly known as plantar warts. Plantar warts are typically flat or slightly raised, with a thickened callus-like appearance due to the pressure and weight-bearing nature of the feet. They may also have black dots or small blood vessels within them, which are often described as “wart seeds.”
Warts and verrucae are often used synonymously, but verrucae specifically refer to warts that appear on the soles of the feet (plantar warts). The choice of terminology may vary among healthcare professionals and regions, but both terms ultimately describe the same condition caused by HPV infection.