Verrucae (Warts)

At Go Podiatry we know how much verrucae can cause pain, frustration and even embarrassment, especially when you want to show off your feet. 

Before you treat a verruca, first ensure a correct diagnosis has been made. A podiatrist will confirm if you do have a verruca and give advice about a treatment to suit you.

Verrucae are a viral skin lesion which infects the outer layer of the skin. They are difficult for the body to detect which is why they can be present for several years.

Verrucae are caught when the skin is broken in some way and are usually spread in communal areas such as swimming pools, showers and gyms. They tend to be more common in children than adults.

Treatments are aimed at provoking an immune response for your body to get rid of the verruca. These include (after gentle removal of overlying skin); caustic treatments (salicylic acid and silver nitrate); cryotherapy (freezing); and Verruca Needling (‘Falknor’s needling’). A programme of treatment, with regular visits, may be needed. Advice is given on what you can do at home to continue treatment between visits. 

If the verruca does not hurt, is not growing or spreading, or is on a young child, you may choose to leave it and allow the body time to fight the virus. Many people simply cover it with a plaster.

Results can vary depending on a range of factors.  Some verrucae can resolve without treatment. Many verrucae will resolve with podiatry treatment although some may be very resistant and difficult to treat.