Verruca, more commonly known as a wart, is a skin condition characterized by hypertrophy (or enlargement) of the papillae and epidermis, the outermost layers of the skin. This condition is caused by a virus, specifically types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are infectious and contagious, meaning they can spread from person to person or from one part of the body to another.
Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the hands, feet, and face. They can be single or multiple, and they can range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Warts can be flesh-colored, brown, or black.
Various types of warts could potentially concern skincare and beauty professionals due to their appearance on areas of the body commonly involved in skincare and aesthetic treatments. Here are a few:
- Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris): These typically appear on the hands but can occur anywhere on the body. They are often rough and dome-shaped.
- Flat Warts (Verruca Plana): These small, flat, or slightly raised lesions often occur on the face or legs, areas commonly of interest in skincare.
- Plantar Warts (Verruca Plantaris): While these occur on the soles of the feet and not typically a primary concern for estheticians, some beauty professionals involved in pedicures should be aware of them.
- Filiform Warts: These long, thin warts typically appear on the face around the eyes, nose, and mouth, which are areas often involved in facial skincare routines.
- Periungual Warts: These occur around or under the nails, an area that manicurists and estheticians involved in hand treatments need to be aware of.
It’s important to note that treating warts falls outside the scope of practice for beauty professionals and estheticians. While there are over-the-counter treatments available for warts, these should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. If a client has a wart that’s causing them discomfort, the esthetician should advise them to seek medical attention.
Here are several potential treatment methods for warts:
- Over-the-counter wart treatments: These treatments contain salicylic acid, which can help to remove the wart.
- Prescription wart treatments: These treatments may include liquid nitrogen, laser therapy, or surgery.
- Home remedies: There are a number of home remedies that have been claimed to be effective in treating warts, but there is no scientific evidence to support their use.
Perhaps the most vital responsibility within a skincare and beauty treatment room is to prevent the spread of warts, protecting both yourself as a professional and your clients. Therefore, it’s essential to adhere to standard precautions and maintain strict sanitation protocols. If you encounter any unfamiliar skin conditions, it’s necessary to inform the client, cease the service immediately, and require a clearance letter from a certified physician before resuming the service.