Dr Richard Russell, of the James Cochrane Practice, answers medical queries

Q. I have a small lump on my skin that won’t go away – please tell me how I get rid of it?

A. Depending on where it is you probably have a wart or a verruca. The good news is that your local pharmacy will be able to help you. You can buy creams, plasters and sprays from pharmacies to get rid of warts and verrucas.

These treatments can take a while to complete, may irritate your skin. This allows the body to produce an antibody to this virus. You shouldn't use these treatments on your face.

Warts and verrucas are caused by a virus. They can be spread to other people from contaminated surfaces or through close skin contact. You're more likely to spread a wart or verruca if your skin is wet or damaged.

It can take months for a wart or verruca to appear after contact with the virus.

Always wash your hands after touching a wart or verruca and take care to change your socks daily if you have a verruca. Cover warts and verrucas with a plaster when swimming – and take care not to cut a wart when shaving.

Try not to share towels, flannels, socks or shoes if you have a wart or verruca and don’t bite your nails or suck fingers with warts on. Also take care not to walk barefoot in public places if you have a verruca

And do not scratch or pick a wart.

Remember, your pharmacist can give you advice about the best treatment for you.