What is a Verruca?

Verrucae are benign skin lesions that appear on the feet. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

They inhabit the top 3 layers of the skin (the epidermis), and your immune system cells inhabit the bottom 5 layers of skin (the dermis). As such, verrucae promote immune ignorance, which is why they can hang around for years.

Treatments

Severn Foot Care provides a range a of treatments, each with its benefits and limitations. There are no treatments for verrucae that are 100% effective, as they all rely upon triggering an immune response.

Cryotherapy

Methodology: Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the verruca, causing the infected tissue to die and fall off.

Pros: Quick procedure, targets the verruca directly, minimal preparation.

Cons: Can be a little uncomfortable, may require multiple treatments, not always effective for deep verrucae.

Falknor’s Needling

Methodology: Involves puncturing the verruca multiple times with a sterile needle under local anaesthetic. This triggers an immune response to fight the virus.

Pros: Effective for persistent verrucae, typically requires only one session, and studies show this is the most efficacious treatment for verrucae.

Cons: Involves minor discomfort during recovery, requires anaesthetic, not ideal for young children or those with compromised healing or problems metabolising anaesthesia.

60% Salicylic Acid

Methodology: A topical treatment applied to the verruca to gradually break down the hardened skin and infected tissue over several weeks.

Pros: Affordable

Cons: Requires weekly application, requires covering and will need to be rinsed off after 3-4 days, not effective for larger or deeper verrucae, unsuitable for those with compromised healing and young children.

Verrutop

Methodology: A chemical treatment applied directly to the verruca, causing it to dehydrate and destroy the infected tissue without damaging healthy skin.

Pros: Painless, suitable for children, quick application, does not need to be kept covered.

Cons: Requires reapplication fortnightly.