verruca

A verruca is a wart that appears on the sole of the foot, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Because of the pressure from standing and walking, verrucae often grow inwards, making them painful and sometimes resembling a small callus with tiny black dots.

They can spread easily, either to other parts of the foot or to other people. Podiatrists offer a range of treatments to manage verrucae, from reducing the hard skin for comfort to more advanced options such as cryotherapy or needling. Treatment helps relieve pain, limit spread, and encourage the body to clear the virus more effectively.

Verrutop

Verrutop is a new, painless solution for treating verrucae and other warts. Unlike some treatments that rely on extreme temperatures or aggressive chemicals, Verrutop works by breaking down the protein structure of the wart, leading to a natural shedding of the affected skin.

Verrutop is most successful on 'new' verrucae - lesions that have been in situ for less than 6 months. On average 3 - 6 treatments, given 1 - 2 weeks apart, are required.

Verrutop Benefits

Painless application with minimal discomfort reported between treatments.

Response to verruca treatment varies but Verrutop has a high success rate for treating new, superficial warts.

No downtime

Safe and non-invasive

Suitable for children

Clinical Verruca Treatment on Foot Sole.png

Verruca Needling

Verruca Needling is a treatment designed to stimulate your body's own immune response against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes verrucae.

Performed under local anaesthetic, the procedure involves repeatedly puncturing the verruca with a fine sterile needle, introducing viral antigens into the deeper tissues where they can be recognised by the immune system. The aim is to trigger an immune response that helps your body recognise and clear the infection, potentially targeting other verrucae caused by the same HPV type.

Verruca Needling Benefits

Unlike treatments requiring repeated applications, verruca needling typically involves one treatment session, followed by a review to assess the response - a second treatment may be required.

Research suggests complete clearance rates of 68-85% (some research focuses on success rates per person other per lesion), although outcomes vary and success cannot be guaranteed.

A considered, evidence-informed approach to treating persistent verrucae.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative verruca treatment refers to non-invasive methods used to manage verrucae without causing significant damage to the surrounding skin or requiring surgical intervention. It requires the gentle reduction of the hard skin (callus) over the verruca to relieve pressure and pain. Sometimes the application of padding can also be used to offload the verruca site reducing discomfort and slowing the recurrence of hard skin build up.

Conservative Treatment Benefits

Suitable for children, nervous patients, or those with poor healing.

Encourages the body’s natural immunity.

No downtime.

Safe and non-invasive.

Cost-effective and easily maintained.

Book