A verruca is wart on the sole of the foot which can be painful when standing or walking. It caused by the human pappilomavirus ( HPV ). The viral infection affects the epithelial cells in the skin of the foot, making them over – grow and thicken, causing small rough lumps known as papules.
Verruca are also known as plantar warts and most commonly occurs on the soles of feet, around toes and toenails.
HPV is not very contagious but can spread through direct contact an infected damp surface in particular, such as swimming pools, changing rooms at gyms, etc.
The virus gains entry into the skin through micro-opening in the skin such a little cuts, scratches, or open pores after the skin has been soaking in water.
Verruca can also be painful if it is located on a Waugh’s bearing part of the foot. There is often layer of callus on verruca which make them very uncomfortable for the patient.
Verruca treatment
At Belvoir Foot Clinic, we use two types of verrucae treatments.
Freezing ( CRYOTHERAPY )
Cryotherapy is safe way to remove a verruca which involves freezing the skin around the verruca. A small portion of liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin destroying the verruca cells. Standard practice is to repeat this treatment every 2-3 weeks until the wart has gone, up to a maximum of 6 treatments.
The hard skin over – top the lesion is removed before the treatment, the liquid nitrogen will be applied to the wart using either a spray or a cotton bad. It takes between five and 30 seconds to freeze the wart depending on technique and location of the wart.
What will happen after treatment?
A blister will develop within 24-48 hours after the treatment. This can cause some discomfort. If there is excessive pain we recommend the use of oral painkillers. If the blister breaks, patient can deal with this themselves by clearing the area with an antiseptic wipe to minimise the spread of the virus from the wart and applying a plaster. However we are always available to offer support during the hearing process which normally takes 7-10 days. Call us if you need this support.
Salicylic acid treatment
The salicylic acid treatment we use which is much stronger than those available over the counter. It works to remove warts by exfoliating the skin cells until the wart is gone. Several sessions are needed to destroy the verruca.
Treatment with the salicylic acid is usually painless but some patients experience discomfort.
Session length: 30 – 40 minutes Cost per session: £35 -£45