All About Verrucae: What They Are and How to Deal with Them

What Are Verrucae?

Verrucae, also known as plantar warts, that typically appear on the soles of your feet or around your toes. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is contagious and can spread through various parts of the body.

What Causes Verrucae?

HPV thrives in moist, damp environments like swimming pools, changing rooms, and communal showers. You can contract verrucae by walking barefoot in these areas, especially if you have small cuts or abrasions on your feet, which allow the virus to enter.

Who Gets Them?

Verrucae are most common in children, teenagers, and young adults, particularly those who use communal changing rooms. While some people develop immunity over time, most remain susceptible to the virus.

How Do I Know I Have Them?

Look for small, cauliflower-like growths on the soles of your feet with tiny black dots. They can appear as a single verruca or clusters of small ones.

Are They Serious?

Verrucae are generally harmless but can be uncomfortable and painful, especially on weight-bearing parts of the foot. Sometimes, hard skin (callous) forms over the verruca, adding to the discomfort. Some strains of the virus can spread quickly and look unsightly.

Treatment Options

1. Avoid Touching: Don’t scratch or touch a verruca to prevent spreading.
2. Cover It: Use a plaster to cover the verruca.
3. Self-Healing: Verrucae often disappear on their own. 
4. Over-the-Counter Treatments: Use ointments and gels from your pharmacist, following instructions carefully. 
5. Consult one of our Podiatrists: If the verruca becomes painful or the surrounding skin turns red, stop treatment and consult a podiatrist.

Advanced Treatments

• Acid-Based Treatments: Stronger than regular over-the-counter options.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the verruca with  nitrous oxide gas.
• Electrosurgery and Excisional Surgery: Involving local anesthetic.
• Laser Surgery: Suitable for larger areas.
• Needling: Stimulates the immune system by pricking the verruca with a needle.
• Microwave Therapy: A new treatment that sends microwave pulses through the verruca.

Taking Care of Your Feet

1. Keep Feet Clean and Dry: Wash with soap and warm water, dry thoroughly.
2. Protect Your Feet: Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Avoid tight shoes that may rub against the verruca.
3. Cover the Verruca: Use a plaster to cover it, change regularly, and wash your hands after touching.
4. Protect in Public Places: Wear flip-flops or sandals in communal showers, pools, and changing rooms. Consider verruca socks for swimming to prevent spreading.

Need More Advice?

If you're tired of dealing with your verruca and want more advice give us a call for a friendly chat or book an appointment online.