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VERRUCAE 

Verrucae are plantar warts that commonly occur on the soles of the feet or around the toes. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is highly contagious through direct person to person contact. It is easy to pick up the virus in moist, damp environments like swimming pools, changing rooms and communal shower areas. It is possible to develop an immunity against the virus over time but most people remain susceptible, although some more than others. 
 
Verrucae are harmless but can be uncomfortable and painful if they develop on a weight bearing part of the foot. Some verrucae can spread very quickly and can look unsightly. They can grow to half an inch in diameter and may spread into a cluster of small warts. 
 
Some verrucae will disappear without treatment. They can be difficult to treat; patient compliance with the treatment is required to ensure a higher success rate. Children and teenagers may be better able to cooperate with a professional rather than Mum and Dad. 

VERRUCAE 

Verrucae are plantar warts that commonly occur on the soles of the feet or around the toes. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is highly contagious through direct person to person contact. It is easy to pick up the virus in moist, damp environments like swimming pools, changing rooms and communal shower areas. It is possible to develop an immunity against the virus over time but most people remain susceptible, although some more than others. 
 
Verrucae are harmless but can be uncomfortable and painful if they develop on a weight bearing part of the foot. Some verrucae can spread very quickly and can look unsightly. They can grow to half an inch in diameter and may spread into a cluster of small warts. 
 
Some verrucae will disappear without treatment. They can be difficult to treat; patient compliance with the treatment is required to ensure a higher success rate. Children and teenagers may be better able to cooperate with a professional rather than Mum and Dad. 
 
The aim of treatment is to remove the wart with no recurrence and to induce lifelong immunity; the immune system plays an important part in this process. 
 
Most patients with verrucae will already have tried several over the counter self treatments without success. This is often because the verruca is pushed inwards with callus forming, so presenting a barrier for salicylic acid and freezing treatments and making the file that comes with the kit ineffective. The only way to remove it sufficiently is with a scalpel (which is not painful) and this can only be done by a foot health practitioner or podiatrist, do not attempt to do this yourself. You will be advised to discuss with your pharmacist which topical treatment is best suited to you although no treatment has been proven to be 100% effective. 
 
Avoid touching or scratching verrucae as they may spread into a cluster of warts. Instead, cover them up with a plaster. If you wish to go swimming, verrucae socks are available to stop you spreading the condition to others. 
 
If verrucae remain troublesome, you have the option of being referred to a podiatrist who is qualified in more advanced treatments including: 
 
acid based treatments which are stronger than regular ‘over the counter’ (OTC) treatments 
cryotherapy which involves freezing the verruca with liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide gas 
electrosurgery which requires a local anaesthetic to be given 
excisional surgery which is similar to the above 
laser surgery, particularly for larger areas of verrucae 
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