Verruca Treatment |
Pricing:
Initial Verruca Treatment, 35 mins - £35 Routine Verruca Treatment, 30 mins - from £30 We accept most major medical insurance cover plans Medical insurance |
A verruca is simply a wart that is usually found on the soles of feet, though they can also appear around the toes. In the early stages, a verruca looks like a small, dark, puncture mark but later turns grey or brown. It may become rough and bumpy with a cauliflower-like appearance and may develop a black spot in the middle, which is caused by bleeding. A verruca can grow to half an inch in diameter and may spread into a cluster of small warts. They are caused by the human papiloma virus (HPV) and are harmless. However, they can cause a sharp, burning pain if you get one on a weight-bearing area such as the ball or the heel of the foot. As you are constantly pressing on the area when walking, they can protrude into the skin and become more painful. Non weight bearing verruca lesions do not tend to cause pain.
Here at Foot Function Centre we can offer multiple treatments for stubborn verruca and plantar warts. Verrucae can be one of the most frustrating of conditions with many patients attending the clinic having had all manner of treatments at other locations both clinically and through using over the counter aliments. Dependant on the size, nature and location of the verrucae will dictate the treatment course taken. We offer:-
- Cryotherapy
- Silver nitrate application
- Salicylic acid application
- Verruca needling
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Cryotherapy
The use of liquid nitrogen or cryotherapy is a destructive form of therapy in which the skin lesions are destroyed by direct "freezing". It is found to be the most successful course of treatment but due to the pain caused, it is usually applied to very stubborn skin lesions. Traditionally this was done with a Q-tip with the doctor moving back and forth from the skin to the container. More recently, the liquid nitrogen is administered with the use of a Cry-Ac "gun" in which it is sprayed onto the lesions. This newer approach allows for a rapid freeze and a slower thaw which is the optimal approach for successful treatment. The treatment does result a burning or stinging sensation for the duration of the spray and then during the thaw period. Typically, after the thaw is complete, pain is unlikely. This needs to be done every 2 or 3 weeks for a few months before the verruca is fully removed. Following liquid nitrogen treatment, the treated areas get red and swell a bit, this process takes about two weeks and may leave redness or occasionally lighter or darker skin in the treated area. |
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Silver Nitrate Application
This medicine is used to treat warts and verrucas. The main ingredient, silver nitrate, is corrosive and destroys skin cells. The corrosive properties of this ingredient make it very useful in removing affected skin tissues. Silver nitrate works by destroying very thin layers of tissue at a time, both pathological and non pathological. As the layer of skin dies, the next layer must then be applied to ensure penetration of the verruca tissue continues. As the virus lives in the surface layers of the skin, not deep in the root, it doesn't take long to get rid of a wart or verruca using this process. This treatment requires skin to be smooth therefore we will remove loose skin prior to the application. This is not painful and is conservative in comparison to cryotherapy. Many patients prefer this method initially. |
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Advice on latest over the counter products
Research has concluded that the safest and most effective treatments were those containing salicylic acid. This acid is applied to the wart to disintegrate the viral cells and has a cure rate of 75%. It may need to be applied at weekly intervals over a set period of time. As an initial off the shelf treatment, look for products with this as its main ingredient.
Most commonly, Bazuka Gel and Verrugon are high in salicytic acid but because it also destroys healthy tissue, accurate application is necessary with additional protection through plasters often required. Patients suffering with circulatory conditions including diabetes should seek GP council due to the increased risk of damage to skin and nerves before application.
Research has concluded that the safest and most effective treatments were those containing salicylic acid. This acid is applied to the wart to disintegrate the viral cells and has a cure rate of 75%. It may need to be applied at weekly intervals over a set period of time. As an initial off the shelf treatment, look for products with this as its main ingredient.
Most commonly, Bazuka Gel and Verrugon are high in salicytic acid but because it also destroys healthy tissue, accurate application is necessary with additional protection through plasters often required. Patients suffering with circulatory conditions including diabetes should seek GP council due to the increased risk of damage to skin and nerves before application.
The most common question we get asked is 'Do I have a verruca or a corn?'
A verruca is a viral infection, whereas a corn or callus are simply layers of dead skin. Distinguishable characteristics include:-
If a verruca does appear, avoid touching or scratching it as it may spread into a cluster of several warts. Instead, cover it up with plaster. In some cases, this may cure it. Verrucae usually often disappear in time (fought off by your immune system), the general policy in the UK is to only treat them when they are causing pain. Verrucae generally resolve spontaneously within six months in children. But in adults, they can persist for years.
A verruca is a viral infection, whereas a corn or callus are simply layers of dead skin. Distinguishable characteristics include:-
- Verrucae tend to be painful to pinch, where as corns are painful on direct palpation.
- Black dots are often seen in the lesion due to its own blood supply, corns do not.
- Skin pigment changes with striations broken compared to no pigment changes in a corn,
- Verruca can present cauliflower in appearance with multiple verruca often referred to as satellite and cluster verruca.
If a verruca does appear, avoid touching or scratching it as it may spread into a cluster of several warts. Instead, cover it up with plaster. In some cases, this may cure it. Verrucae usually often disappear in time (fought off by your immune system), the general policy in the UK is to only treat them when they are causing pain. Verrucae generally resolve spontaneously within six months in children. But in adults, they can persist for years.