Posted 3 Jun '19

Get Rid Of Those Pesky Verrucae

What Are Verrucae/Plantar Warts?

Plantar Verrucae (Verrucae pedis), are contagious skin lesions that are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The lesions themselves are often only limited to the upper layers of the skin but with persistent infection can infiltrate deeper layers of the skin resulting in an increased level of discomfort. While warts can occur on many regions of the body, the ones that occur on the soles of the feet can become painful because of the actions of standing and walking. Warts can resolve on their own within months or years. However, whilst they are present there is a risk of them multiplying or being contagious.

What Verruca Treatments Are Available?

Here at Flawless Feet we are foot and lower limbs specialists with extensive training in the effective treatment of plantar Verrucae. A number of treatments are available which includes:

Cryotherapy (freezing) and the use of strong acids

After removal of the callous from the top of the verrucae a series of localized liquid cryogen spray is applied to the verrucas. Following the cryotherapy a strong acid is applied to the occluded verruca and covered for 3-7 days. Follow up appointments are necessary and up to 10 appointments may be required

Faulknor’s Needling

Needling is proving to be the one of the most reliable treatment for the removal of warts and is very practical for the busy person who cannot come in for regular sessions. Needling is in most cases a ONE OFF treatment. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic hypodermic needle is used to repeatedly puncture the verruca. This pushes verrucae tissue from the epidermis through into the dermis and underlying adipose tissue layer resulting in an immune response and resolution of the verrucae. Complete resolution is normally observed at 8 weeks however for a small percentage of cases a second needling may be required at 4 months.

New and Innovative Swift Microwave Therapy for Verrucae

Swift is a new technology, developed in the UK, which has been licensed for the general treatment of Verruca and skin lesions in Podiatry and Dermatology. Swift uses microwave energy which is delivered through a special probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue. subsiding. There is no need for an anaesthetic and no need for a dressing. treatment involves 5 applications of 2 seconds per spot. Pain levels vary from patient to patient, but most people liken the sensation to a pain similar to an injection or scratch lasting 2 – 3 seconds then quickly. You may need up to 3-5 sessions and these are usually 4 weeks apart.

It is worth noting that NO single treatment for verrucae / verruca warts is 100% effective, and there is no guarantee that the verrucae / verruca warts will not return.