Verrucas – symptoms & treatment options

What are Verrucas?

Verrucas are plantar warts commonly found on the foot caused by strains of the human papilloma virus infecting the outer layer of the skin. They can appear on any aspect of the foot but usually present on the weight bearing surfaces.

What are the symptoms of Verrucas?

Initially verrucae can present as a small whitey pink bump but in the later stages they often have a rough cauliflower like appearance with central black dots.

Verrucae can develop as one singular wart of varying sizes or multiple tightly packed individual warts known as mosaic verrucae. If the verrucae forms on a weight bearing surface such as the heel or the ball of the foot, it will usually protrude into the skin, may acquire an overlying spongy callus and can be painful when walking. If it develops on a non-weight bearing surface such as the side of a toe, it will protrude outwards and might not cause any pain unless squeezed.

What causes Verrucas?

The human papilloma virus can survive outside of the human body and thrives in a moist, damp environment, which is why it is commonly picked up from swimming pools and communal changing room floors. It can however be contracted from any surface, especially if you have cuts or abrasions on your feet which you may not be aware of. Once the virus is picked up, there is a delay before the verrucae becomes visible whilst the virus multiplies.

Verrucas – Treatment Options Available

Swift Microwave

Verruca Needling Under Local Anaesthetic

Key features:

• Success rate approximately 69%
• Involves a local anaesthetic injection to numb the foot and then the verruca is punctured multiple times to stimulate an immune response to kill the virus
• Requires 2 treatment sessions
• Fast post-op recovery

Your treatment package includes:

• A one hour minor surgery appointment
• Repeat treatment 8 weeks later if required
• Follow up review 8 weeks after last treatment session
• Further follow up review 8 weeks later
• Post op dressing pack and Limbo bag to keep your dressing dry

High Strength Salicyclic Acid

Key features:

• Success rate approximately 50%
• Involves the regular application of high strength salicyclic acid to all verrucae to create a chemical burn to kill the viral tissue
• Non-painful and low complication rate
• Requires up to 6 treatment sessions

Our package Includes:

• Up to 6 weekly treatment sessions of high strength salicylic acid
• 1 bottle of low strength salicylic acid for daily use
• Follow up review 8 weeks after your last treatment
• Further follow up review 8 weeks later
• Limbo bag to keep your post-treatment dressing dry
• Zinc Oxide tape to keep verruca covered between treatment sessions

If you suspect you have verrucas, book in with one of our podiatrists who can confirm diagnosis and discuss an individualised treatment plan with you.