Clinical features

• common warts - verruca vulgaris
  • present as firm papules with a rough surface
  • commonly seen on the backs of the hands and fingers but can occur anywhere
• wart on the sole of the foot, plantar wart (Verruca plantaris)
  • seen beneath pressure points
  • two types have been described
    • sharply defined rounded lesions with a rough keratotic surface, often painful
    • a plaque of closely grouped warts - mosaic warts, usually not painful
  • may be misdiagnosed as callosities or corns
• flat wart or plane wart (Verruca plana)
  • commonly seen in the face and at the backs of the hands
  • often small (under 5mm), round, slightly elevated numerous lesions with a smooth surface
  • Koebnerisation is relatively common
• genital wart (Condyloma accuminatum)
  • discomfort, discharge or bleeding can be present
  • lesion can be
    • pearly, filiform, fungating, cauliflower or plaque-like
    • quite smooth (particularly on penile shaft), verrucous, or lobulated
    • skin-coloured, erythematous or hyperpigmented (1,2)

Reference:

• (1) Sterling JC et al. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts 2014. Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(4):696-712.
• (2) Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS). Clinical Guidance – Warts (November 2017)