Description:
Verrucas (plantar warts) are viral growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear as small, rough lesions that may have tiny black dots (clotted capillaries) at their centre. Verrucas can be painful, particularly when pressure is applied during walking or standing. They are contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact, such as shared surfaces in communal areas.
If left untreated, verrucas can persist for months or even years. Although some may resolve spontaneously, professional treatments can significantly shorten their duration and reduce discomfort.
Causes:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The virus enters through small cuts or abrasions on the skin.
Increased risk factors: Walking barefoot in communal spaces like swimming pools, gyms, or locker rooms.
Weakened immunity: Some individuals are more prone due to their immune system’s response to the virus.
Symptoms:
Pain or tenderness, especially under pressure.
Rough, grainy growth on the sole of the foot.
Tiny black dots within the lesion (clotted blood vessels).
Thickened or hardened skin surrounding the wart.
Risks if left untreated:
Increased discomfort: Warts may grow larger or spread to other areas, increasing pain and inconvenience.
Spread to others: Verrucas can easily spread to family members or others in communal environments.
Persistent infection: Some verrucas can become chronic and resistant to over-the-counter treatments
What Appointment to Book:
New Patients: Initial Consultation.
Returning Patients: Advanced Therapies.
Effective Treatments We Offer:
Debridement: Removal of thickened or dead skin surrounding the verruca to improve penetration of treatments and reduce discomfort. Or to solely to reduce discomfort.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the verruca with liquid nitrogen to destroy infected tissue and stimulate the body’s natural immune response.
Needling (Faulkner’s Procedure): Under local anaesthetic, the verruca is punctured multiple times to trigger a robust immune response targeting the virus.
Swift Microwave Therapy: A cutting-edge treatment using microwaves to heat and destroy infected tissue while stimulating an immune response.
Salicylic Acid: A topical treatment that softens and dissolves the outer layers of the verruca, promoting gradual resolution. This option is particularly suitable for self-application between professional treatments.
Verrutop: A non-invasive, targeted solution that chemically destroys verruca tissue with minimal discomfort, ideal for patients seeking an alternative to cryotherapy.
Time Frame:
Verrucas are famously hard to treat as there is no guaranteed treatment, no clinic can guarantee a treatment that works for everyone. However, we will work with you to give you the best treatment for you.
Depending on the treatment, this could be anywhere from one session and one month for the skin to regenerate, to 3-4 months for the 3-4 treatments of Swift.