Verruca debridment
Verruca
Verruca, also known as plantar warts, are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They commonly develop on the soles of the feet and hands and can look like a small area of rough, thickened skin. You may notice small dark dots within the verruca, and they can sometimes be uncomfortable, particularly when standing, walking or putting pressure on the affected area.
A verruca can develop on its own or several may appear together in a cluster formation. HPV is contagious and therefore can be passed from person to person or picked up from contaminated surfaces. The virus tends to spread more easily in warm, damp environments, such as swimming pools, sauna, changing rooms and communal areas.
When might treatment be appropriate?
Not every verruca requires treatment, as some can clear naturally. However, treatment may be worth considering if a verruca is causing discomfort or affecting your everyday life.
You may wish to consider treatment if:
- The verruca is painful when walking or standing.
- It has remained despite trying suitable over the counter topical treatments.
- You do not like the look of the verruca.
- The verruca is getting larger or new verrucae are appearing.
- It is making exercise, sport or certain footwear uncomfortable.
- It is affecting your work or normal daily activities.
- You have an upcoming sporting event, holiday or other important occasion and would like to explore treatment options.
- You have a condition or medication that affects your immune system or may influence the healing process.
Verruca Needling
Verrucae needling is designed to trigger a stronger immune response against HPV. Under local anaesthetic, the verruca is repeatedly punctured with a fine sterile needle to destroy the infected skin cells and push viral material into the deeper tissue where the immune system is more likely to recognise and attack it. The aim is not just to treat the visible lesion, but to encourage an immune system to help clear other verrucae on the foot as well.
Needling is often considered for persistent verrucae that haven’t responded to standard treatments, or where there are multiple lesions. Because it’s done under local anaesthetic, discomfort during the procedure is usually minimal. The area may be sore or tender afterwards while it heals, and you will be given appropriate aftercare advice. It is a well-known practice and has been used worldwide for over 40 years.
Your clinician will assess your verruca and discuss your medical history before treatment to ensure that verruca needling is suitable for you.
Eloise carries out Needling at Podiatry Care Bristol.
Verrutop
Verrutop is a relatively new type of wart treatment. Unlike other chemical treatments, Verrutop does not act by freezing or burning the tissue. Instead, it denatures the viral protein and desiccates the wart tissue, causing cell death which then falls off the skin, leaving intact skin underneath. Treatment is normally quick, painless and suitable for Children age 6 years +. Your podiatrist will help decide which verruca treatment is suitable for you.
Verruca Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is liquid nitrogen onto the verruca to destroy the affected tissues. The amount of time taken to freeze the area will vary depending on its size and location, with larger lesions requiring more treatment. Firstly, the lesion will be reduced with a scalpel. Once the area has been frozen a small scab or blister usually forms. It uses extreme cold therefore is an uncomfortable procedure so not suitable for all patients, some discomfort can also be expected a few days after treatment. Your podiatrist will help decide which verruca treatment is suitable for you.
Application of Salicylic Acids
Acid treatments are corrosive solutions that are applied to the surface of a verruca to attempt to eradicate them. The acid used is stronger than acids available over the counter. Your podiatrist will help decide which verruca treatment is suitable for you.