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Verrucas & Warts

Verrucas & Warts

What are 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.

How do Verrucas spread?

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.

Who can get Verrucas?

Verrucas are most commonly seen in children and young adults, but anyone is vulnerable to them. It is possible to develop an immunity against the virus, but most people remain susceptible.

How do I know if I have Verrucas?

The most common appearance is that of 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.

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. There are also some strains of the virus that spread very quickly and can look unsightly.

What are the treatment options for Verrucas?

The Podiatrist will examine your Verruca and provide you on with the best treatment option. The treatment provided will depend on the number of Verrucas you have, the size and location of the Verrucas, as well as your overall health and well-being. Treatment is usually recommended if the Verrucas appear to be spreading and/or are painful.

At Podiatry Station we highly recommend Swift Microwave Therapy for Verrucas and Warts. Swift is a new technology, developed in the UK, which 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 Verruca, with more successful results than any other available treatment. Microwave energy is widely used in a number of medical fields to elevate tissue temperatures and create precise, localised cell destruction.

Find out more about Swift Microwave Therapy for Verruca and Warts.

We also offer Cryospray (the spray form of Cryotherapy). This is based on the principle that living cells which 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 which causing 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 change in temperature.  It is probable that the membranes of the affected cells are 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 (e.g. liquid nitrogen) can reduce the temperature of the tissues to -185 degrees which may result in a lot of pain.

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.

Are you suffering from toenail or foot problems?

See a specialist at Podiatry Station