Verruca: What are they and how they can be treated?

As Foot Healthcare experts, we often come across verrucas when treating patients. Verruca, also known as plantar warts, is caused by a common viral infection that can affect anyone. It usually appears as a small, rough, and raised growth on the skin, especially on the sole of the foot, but can also spread to other parts of the body.

How do you know if you have a verruca?

A verruca can be painful, especially when walking or standing. It may have tiny black dots on the surface or a cluster of small verrucas that may fuse together to form a larger one. However, don't assume that because there are no visible black dots that it isn't a verruca!

The Squeeze Test

One simple way to check for verrucas is the squeeze test. Squeezing the affected area of skin may cause a sharp pain, which could indicate the presence of a verruca.

Striation Lines

The striations (lines) of the skin do not change when a corn is present but in the case of verrucae, they are disrupted and move around the outside of the lesion as it erupts through the skin.

What Causes Verrucas?

Verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through a scuff or scratch. HPV is highly contagious and can spread easily through skin-to-skin contact, especially in public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and gym showers.

What are the Treatments for Verruca?

So, what are the treatment options for verrucas? There are several, but the most common treatments include:

1. Salicylic acid: This is a common over-the-counter treatment for verrucas. Salicylic acid works by softening the skin and dissolving the verruca. It is available in different forms like gels, plasters, and solutions. However, care must be taken as it can damage healthy skin and spread if the feet sweat or get wet. Often dressings must be worn for days on end and many repeated treatment applications are required over many weeks. Often, the treatment is ineffective for long-term, persistent verrucas.

2. Freezing: This treatment, also known as cryotherapy, involves using liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide liquified gas to freeze the verruca. The freezing process damages the verruca, causing it to fall off. However, the treatment can be very painful to walk on afterwards for several days and often blistering of the skin occurs, risking additional bacterial infection.

3. Swift Microwave Therapy: This is a relatively new treatment for verrucas that uses microwave energy to heat and destroy the affected tissue. This treatment is considered to be safe and more effective than acids or freezing, with most patients experiencing complete resolution of their verruca within a few weeks. There is no need to apply dressings that must be kept dry, nor is there painful blistering from freezing. Typically, 3-4 treatments are required, unlike acid or freezing which will typically require more treatments, more frequently.

How Does Verruca Microwave Therapy Work?

Verruca Microwave Therapy is a state of the art procedure that leaves Verruca  with nowhere to hide.

The microwaves penetrate the verruca, heating it up and stimulating the immune system to recognise the virus that causes the verrucas. It's Swift technology without any mess, without the hassle of having to attend weekly appointments and without dressings that you have to keep dry!

This new Verruca Microwave Therapy passes cutting edge microwaves safely through the layers of the skin to ZAP that Verruca,  leaving no blisters or scarring, allowing immediate return to full activity. 

In plain language a probe is applied to the verruca and a blast of microwave energy is passed through the verruca for about 2 seconds per application. This heats the verruca and triggers the immune system into action to produce an immune response to kill off the verruca.

Get Professional Treatment for Persistent Verrucas!

It's important to recognise that some traditional treatments may not work for everyone, but from experience treating persistent verrucas within We Fix Feet clinics, Swift Microwave Therapy is by far the most effective treatment and ideal for anyone who has tried other treatment options that haven't got rid of those pesky verrucas!

It is important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have a verruca. Our Podiatrists and other Foot Healthcare Professionals can diagnose the condition and advise on the best treatment option to get rid of those verrucas effectively with minimal discomfort.

How can Verrucas be Prevented?

To prevent verrucas, it is important to practice good foot hygiene. Always wear shoes or sandals in public places, and avoid sharing shoes or socks with others. Keep your feet clean and dry, especially after swimming or bathing. If you do have a verruca, avoid touching it or picking at it, as this can spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people.

If You Have A Painful Verruca Call Us Now On 0115 9328832.

Take your first step NOW to being Verruca Free!