A Verruca is usually found on the sole of the foot. They can appear small and on their own or they can grow in clusters called mosaic verruca. Usually associated with children, verrucae are also a common complaint amongst adults.
What causes it?
All verrucae are caused by the human papilloma virus which is common in all environments but does not readily attack the skin. Due to this, verrucae are commonly contracted in communal places such as swimming pools, showers and changing areas, this is why children are more at risk of contracting verrucae’s in school changing rooms and swimming pools.
If there is excessive moisture or excessive dryness of the skin this can lead to small cracks in the skin which allows the virus to enter.
What will happen if I leave it untreated?
Most of the time verrucae will heal on their own if left alone. However they can spread easily, so if the verruca is touched or scratched you must wash your hands straight away or it can spread to other parts of the body.
What can help?
To avoid passing verrucae amongst your family;
Avoid touching other people's verrucae and wash hands straight away if a verruca is touched.
Avoid sharing towels, bathmats, shoes and socks with other people and to make sure that feet and hands are kept clean and dry.
Avoid going barefoot in public places and communal areas.
If you do contract a verruca avoid scratching or picking it, this may spread the infection to other parts of the body.
What are the treatment options?
Verrucae can be removed with over-the-counter treatments, but these don't always work or they can be too aggressive.
These products contain a combination of Lactic acid and Salicylic acid. These ingredients work together to break down and remove warts and verrucas. It will soften the skin so you can file the excess skin easily and effectively. Be cautious not to over use these products as it can damage the healthy skin around the verruca.
A Mulitvitamin is always advised to restore your immune system to help fight the virus causing the verruca.
A Diagnosis! It is always best to get a confirmed diagnosis from your Podiatrist first before starting treatment. Some verruca will respond better to different treatment options.
Swift Microwave Therapy is Gold Standard treatment for Verruca. With a success rate of over 75% and most patients only needing 3 Swift treatment sessions over an 8-week period, this treatment gets results. It is a great option to quickly get you back to the things you love without the embarrassment of long-standing verrucas. The treatment works by heating the tissue to create an immune response. It is safe, effective and avoids the use of paddings, dressings and home treatments meaning you can easily go about your daily routine after each treatment session.