Podiatry Station
Call us on: 020 3327 0194
125 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, HA8 5EN
Book online
Call us on: 020 3327 0194
125 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, HA8 5EN
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Trusted and effective treatment for verrucas

Verrucas are plantar warts that commonly occur on the soles of the feet or around the toe area. They are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is contagious through direct person-to-person contact. There are various forms of HPV, which all relate to various parts of the human body. Verrucas are most commonly seen in children and young adults, but anyone is vulnerable to them. It is possible to develop immunity against the virus, but most people remain susceptible.

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Verrucas & Warts

What do verrucas look like?

Verrucas usually look like a small cauliflower-type growth on the soles of your feet with tiny black dots. If it is painful when you pinch the area (like when you squeeze a spot), you are likely to have a Verruca. They can start as a single dot, and if left untreated, may spread into a cluster of small warts.

If you are concerned about a developing verruca, or would like some specialist advice and treatment, please get in touch.

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Verrucas & Warts

How serious are verrucas?

Verrucas are harmless but can be uncomfortable and painful if they develop on a weight-bearing part of the foot. In addition, hard skin (callus) can form over the top of the verruca, increasing the discomfort in this area. Some strains of the virus spread very quickly and can look unsightly.

The HPV virus is thought to thrive in moist, damp environments such as swimming pools, changing room floors, and communal shower areas. It is possible to contract verrucas simply by walking across the same floor area as someone who already has a verruca, especially if you have any open lesions, cracked heels, and cuts.

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What are the treatment options for verrucas?

At your first appointment, your podiatrist will examine your verruca and provide you with the best treatment option for your case. The treatment will depend on the number of verrucas you have, their size and location, and take into account your overall health and well-being. Treatment is usually recommended if your verruca(s) appear to be spreading and/or are painful or the patient wants to potentially stop further spread or development of the verruca.

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    Swift microwave therapy

    At Podiatry Station we highly recommend Swift microwave therapy for verrucae and warts. Swift has been developed in the UK and has been licensed for the general treatment of skin lesions in podiatry and dermatology. Swift uses microwave energy which is delivered through a special probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue. This is a breakthrough treatment for verrucae and has had great results. Microwave energy is widely used in a number of medical fields to elevate tissue temperatures and create precise and localised cell destruction.

    Find out more

  • Cryospray

    We also offer Cryospray, which is the spray form of Cryotherapy. This is based on the principle that living cells that are rapidly frozen are initially damaged and subsequently die from the effects of freezing. It is now widely thought that it is the rate of cooling and thawing that causes this effect rather than the actual temperature achieved and that in practice few cells are able to change quickly enough to protect themselves from the rapid temperature change. The membranes of the affected cells are probably ruptured during freezing, releasing cell contents and viral antigens. This release is picked up by the immune system which can eventually result in a reduction and/or clearance of the verrucas.

    Cryospray is designed to freeze tissues to approximately -50 degrees to achieve an effective result. Other cryogenic treatments, such as liquid nitrogen, can reduce the temperature of the tissues to -185 degrees which may result in a lot of pain.

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    Verrutop

    Verrutop is a topical solution which has been formulated with Nitrizinc Complex, a solution containing nitric acid, organic acid, zinc, and copper salts. Verrutop works by denaturing the wart proteins through a caustic effect. The solution is applied directly over the verruca. The patient is then required to apply surgical spirit twice a day to aid the dehydration process.

Frequently asked questions

Although medical research is always ongoing, it should be noted that currently there is no guaranteed treatment for the permanent removal of verrucas and each patient may have a different outcome. However, case studies relating to Swift Microwave Therapy have provided positive results.

Verrucas, also known as plantar warts, are a specific type of wart that occurs on the soles of the feet. Warts, in general, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Verrucas are typically caused by the strains of HPV that thrive in warm and moist environments. Warts on other parts of the body may result from different strains of the virus. Both verrucas and warts are contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact.

Over the counter products contain acids and can potentially cause damage to healthy skin. This is why we do not encourage use of any of these products and do not use them in the clinic ourselves.

While it’s challenging to completely prevent verrucas and warts due to their contagious nature, some preventive measures can reduce the risk. Avoid walking barefoot in public places, especially in moist environments like swimming pools and changing rooms. Keep feet clean and dry, and avoid direct contact with warts. If you have a wart, it’s crucial to avoid picking or scratching it to prevent the virus from spreading to other areas of your body or to other people.

The duration of treatment varies based on the size, location, and type of verruca or wart. As the treatment is dependent on how well your immune system reacts to it, no fixed time can be given. We are happy to give you an estimate on how long your treatment may take but, unfortunately nothing is guaranteed. However, even with successful treatment, recurrences are possible. It’s important to follow the prescribed treatment plan and consult with a podiatrist if the condition persists or worsens.

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Want to talk to us?

Whether you’re a new or existing patient, our warm and friendly team would love to hear from you, answer your questions and give advice.

Podiatry Station
125 Burnt Oak Broadway,
Edgware, HA8 5EN

Opening Times

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 9am - 5pm
  • Tuesday & Sunday: Closed