Verruca Treatment

What is a verruca?

Verruca (or verrucae if there are more than one), is the term given to describe a wart on the foot. It is the same as a wart elsewhere on the body but when it is found on the foot, we use the term verruca. There are about 200 different subtypes of wart but we mainly see 3 on the foot.

Verruca can present as a singular lesion or as multiple lesions often in a mosaic pattern.

The virus can be found everywhere, but when there is a break in the skin, the virus can enter your body and present as a verruca. Research shows that the virus normally lies dormant for up to 9 months before it develops into the skin lesion you see before you. In most cases they aren’t painful, but if a lot of callus builds up over the top or it is situated on a high-pressure area then they can become painful.

Do I have a weak immune system?

No, latest research suggests in most cases the body isn’t aware of the verruca because of where it develops. So, in essence your body doesn’t know it’s there!

Are they contagious?

Yes – they are but you need a break in the surface of the skin to allow the virus to enter your body. This can be non-slip tiles at the swimming pool or even walking barefoot on hard flooring at home can cause minor abrasions to the surface of the skin which allows the virus in. For this reason, the risk of you “catching” them from another member of your family is low. You would first need a break in the surface of the skin as described above, along with skin to skin contact to allow the transfer of the virus.

Research shows that the virus normally lies dormant for up to 9 months before it develops into the skin lesion you see before you.

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“I’ve suffered with verruca’s since the age of 10, I’m now 25 and I have tried every method, treatment and podiatrist possible with no luck. Louise has managed after several treatments to completely get rid of my cluster of verruca’s!! I’m so grateful to you Louise, you had every faith that they would go and I couldn’t have been in better hands. Louise has that very rare ability of being professional, extremely knowledgeable and reassuring in equal measure to being kind, welcoming, warm and honest. Thank you for everything Louise.” – July 2022

What can I do to get rid of them?

The first thing to remember is that all verrucae will go on their own eventually. We aren’t sure why but research has shown there is a ‘lifespan’ of all verrucae, although this is different in every case and unfortunately there is no way to look at a verruca and establish its duration!

Some verrucae will go on their own in a matter of weeks (usually in children) and in some cases it can take decades!

NICE guidelines, set by the government, suggest as all verrucae will go on their own at some point, that you leave them alone unless they are upsetting you or painful. However, many people simply give up waiting for this miraculous resolution and visit us to get rid of it!

There are many different treatments available including topical agents available over the counter, topical agents from a podiatrist, freezing or cryotherapy, Needling or microwave treatment. At West Berkshire foot Clinic; we are led by research and thus only offer treatments with the best outcome for the patient.

What People are saying:

“After well over 10 years with a verruca, following multiple failed home remedy and OTC attempts to get rid of it, Louise and her microwave treatment sessions have finally managed to solve this problem! It’s been such a relief to finally be able to walk around bare foot, and to now not have to walk awkwardly whenever I was barefoot previously! The treatment is itself is notably more expensive than OTC remedies, however I do not regret spending the money on it one bit, as it’s made such a big difference to my day-to-day life to finally not have the verruca. The treatment is a little painful, stings quite a bit, but that literally only lasts seconds. Great experience overall and couldn’t recommend high enough.” – July 2022

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“Over lockdown I discovered at least nine verruca’s on both feet, no amount of over the counter freezing or acid options seems to work. Louise Redhill explained how verruca operate under the skin and why my efforts had not worked. Warning me of the short sharp pain, she made them disappear in just two sessions with her Swift machine. Definitely worth the investment. Thank you Louise.” – October 2021

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“My two verrucae were zapped by Louise using the Swift machine at the first visit. A month later I returned and they were zapped a second time. Another month later I retuned and they were zapped a third time. Then after a further two months I returned for a final check up. No further zapping was required and the two verrucae had vanished completely. The zapping is quite painful but not unbearable and the pain is only there for the brief time that the zapping is underway. Excellent result. Well done Louise.” – May 2021

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What we offer:

Acid treatment

Silver nitrate

Faulkner’s Needling

Swift Microwave treatment

Treatment options will be discussed at your assessment appointment, outlining the success rates, process of the treatment, disadvantages and advantages. In most cases treatment can begin at this assessment appointment.

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How can I prevent getting verrucae?

Wear flip flops or similar around swimming pools and the house (or whenever you are exposed to hard flooring).
Keep your skin supple and avoid dry rough skin by creaming them regularly with a good foot cream.
Try and avoid sharing towels
Try not to pick the verruca or bite nails which have warts on them as you are more likely to spread the virus.
There is no evidence covering your verruca to swim prevents others getting it.

Conditions and Treatments

At West Berkshire Foot Clinic, we investigate the cause of the problem from which you are suffering – and then we treat it, using the latest in research-led treatments that provide the best success rates available.

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