Verruca Treatment
Verrucas are common viral skin infections that can affect anyone. They often occur on the soles of the feet and may be completely painless, although verrucas on weight-bearing areas can become uncomfortable or painful when walking.
What is a verruca?
A verruca is an area of thickened skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin and causes the outer layers of the skin to thicken.
How do you get a verruca?
Verrucas can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through contaminated surfaces. Warm, damp environments such as swimming pools, communal changing rooms and showers can provide an ideal environment for the virus to spread.
Not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop a verruca, and they can sometimes take weeks or months to appear.
How can you identify a verruca?
Verrucas often appear as a small, rough or thickened area of skin. They may interrupt the natural lines of the skin and can sometimes contain small dark or red dots, which are tiny blood vessels.
A verruca may be painful when standing or walking, particularly if it is located on a weight-bearing area of the foot. Verrucas can sometimes look similar to corns or other skin lesions, so an assessment is recommended if you are unsure what you have.
How can we help?
We can assess the area and discuss the most appropriate treatment for you. Treatment options may include debridement of thick overlaying skin and the application of Verrutop® or salicylic acid, depending on the verruca and your individual circumstances.
Treatment may require several appointments and there is no single treatment that works for every verruca. We will explain the options available and provide advice on caring for the area between treatments.
Not every verruca requires treatment, and not every treatment is suitable for every person. Before treatment, we will assess the verruca, the surrounding skin and your general foot health to make sure the proposed treatment is appropriate.
Some treatments may not be suitable where there is reduced sensation or circulation, broken or infected skin, or certain underlying medical conditions. Particular care is also required for people with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation in their feet.
We will discuss any relevant medical conditions, medications and previous treatments with you and explain the benefits, potential risks and expected aftercare. Treatment should only be carried out on a lesion that has been appropriately assessed.
If you have diabetes, reduced circulation, reduced sensation or another condition affecting your feet, please let us know before treatment so that we can advise you on the safest approach.