What does the term 'verruca' refer to?

The term 'verruca' refers to an epidermal growth caused by a virus, specifically a type of human papillomavirus (HPV). These growths are commonly known as warts and can appear on various parts of the body. They are characterized by their rough texture and can vary in size and shape. The infection usually occurs through direct contact, and the growth is a direct response of the epidermis to the viral infection.

This understanding highlights the nature of verrucae as viral-induced skin changes, differentiating them from other skin conditions that may not involve a viral etiology, such as loss of pigmentation, intense itching, or mechanical abrasions of the skin. Each of those other terms relates to different phenomena within dermatology, whereas verruca specifically indicates a virus-caused abnormality in epidermal growth.