Verruca Treatment

Modern Verruca Treatment Options and How They Work

Verrucas are a very common foot problem and something that many people will experience at least once in their life. Although they are often small, they can be very stubborn and frustrating to live with. Some verrucas cause no pain at all while others can feel like a stone under the foot and make every step uncomfortable. The good news is that specialist podiatry clinics now offer advanced treatments that can help the body clear these persistent viral lesions.

What is a verruca

A verruca is a wart that appears on the foot. It is caused by the human papilloma virus. The virus enters the skin through tiny breaks and infects the upper layers. Over time a small rough patch develops and can become surrounded by callus. Some verrucas have tiny dark dots inside them which are small blood vessels. They are contagious and often picked up in places where people walk barefoot such as changing rooms and swimming pools.

Many people try over the counter treatments first. While these can help in mild cases, they are often not strong enough to fully resolve long standing verrucas. When they keep returning or fail to respond, professional treatment is usually the next step.

Why verrucas can be stubborn

Verrucas sit in the outer layer of the skin where the immune system is less active. The body does not always recognise the virus and therefore does not always attack it. This is why some verrucas last months or even years. Children and teenagers sometimes clear verrucas more easily due to a more reactive immune system. Adults, especially those with lower immune activity, may struggle more.

Symptoms

Common signs include a rough circular patch on the sole of the foot, discomfort when walking, and pain when squeezing the sides of the lesion. Some people feel as though they are walking on a small pebble. When there are several lesions close together, it is known as a mosaic verruca.

Professional treatment makes a difference

In a podiatry clinic the aim is to stimulate the body to recognise the virus and remove it. Different treatment methods can be used depending on patient preference, medical history and how persistent the verruca has been. Each method works in a different way but all are designed to support the immune system and clear the infected tissue.

Swift microwave therapy

Swift is a modern verruca treatment that uses microwave energy delivered through a small probe to the verruca. The energy creates a gentle heat that alerts the immune system to the presence of the virus. Most people feel a quick sensation that lasts only a couple of seconds. No creams or injections are required and there is no need for dressing afterwards. Patients usually continue normal activity straight away. Many people see improvement after a short course of sessions.

Class 4 laser therapy

Class 4 laser verruca treatment uses focused light energy to target the verruca. The laser heats the affected area and disrupts the tissue that contains the virus. It also helps the body recognise the infected cells. Most people tolerate this treatment well and only need a small number of sessions. Laser therapy is particularly helpful for stubborn verrucas that have not responded to simpler methods.

Dry needling

Dry needling for verrucas is a minor medical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic. A fine sterile needle is used to puncture the verruca multiple times, pushing viral tissue into deeper layers of the skin where the immune system is more active. This encourages the body to launch a stronger response against the virus. Many people benefit from only one session. Since it works through immune activation it is especially useful when verrucas have been present for a long time.

Electrosurgery

Surgical removal of a verruca uses a medical device that applies controlled electrical energy to remove the verruca tissue. The area is numbed first to keep the treatment comfortable. The unwanted tissue is safely removed and a dressing is applied afterwards. Electrosurgery is often used when the verruca is painful, large or has not responded to other methods. Most patients recover quickly and see clear improvement once the tissue heals.

What to expect at a clinic visit

Your podiatrist will examine the lesion, confirm that it is a verruca and discuss your medical history. They will explain each suitable treatment option and how it works so you can make an informed decision. The number of sessions required depends on how long you have had the verruca, the size of the lesion and how your body responds. In many cases improvement is seen within a few weeks.

Can verrucas be prevented

Wearing flip flops or pool shoes in communal wet areas, keeping feet clean and dry and avoiding direct contact with other peoples lesions can lower the risk. It is also sensible to avoid picking or scratching verrucas as this can spread the virus. However even with good care, verrucas can happen to anyone which is why early advice is helpful.

When to seek help

If a verruca is painful, spreading, or has not cleared with simple home treatment, it is time to speak with a podiatrist. People with diabetes or reduced sensation in their feet should always seek professional advice rather than treating verrucas on their own.

Swift verruca treatment