Lincoln Footcare - Verruca Treatment
Why won’t that verruca go away?
At Lincoln Footcare, we understand that treating a verruca can be challenging. A Verruca is a virus that comes from the human papillomavirus (HPV), and it appears on the soles of the feet.
Take a look at our video to learn more about what a verruca is and why they can be so stubborn:
This video is copyright [Lincoln Footcare] © [2024]. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.
Looking for help with your verruca?
Resolving your verruca can be challenging, as it requires eliminating every infected skin cell to completely clear the infection. While various treatment options are available to enhance the immune response, it’s important to note that there is no guaranteed cure.
Many people ask about the most effective treatment or how long it will take for the verruca to disappear. Unfortunately, there are no simple answers to these questions. The effectiveness of treatment and the time needed for resolution can vary significantly.
Please take a moment to explore the treatment options outlined below. We also highly recommend consulting with our podiatrist at Lincoln Footcare. We will discuss your specific needs and work together to provide you with the highest standard of care, developing the best approach for managing your verruca.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is an effective method for treating a verruca. It involves freezing the affected skin tissue in a controlled way with very low temperatures. This process forms ice inside and outside the cells, disrupting and ultimately destroying the infected cells where the virus lives. The goal is to freeze the cells quickly so they can’t protect themselves, causing them to rupture and release the virus into the bloodstream. This triggers the body’s immune system to fight off the infection.
Image Sourced from: https://www.ivanmed.com/ (Accessed 21/05/2024)
Is Cryotherapy Painful?
Most patients will feel some discomfort or pain during the cryotherapy treatment, especially if the verruca is on a weight-bearing area of the foot. This discomfort can last from 1 to 5 days and may even cause a mild limp.
What Happens During the Treatment?
- Skin Preparation: Before the treatment, we remove all calluses and dead skin around the verruca.
- Freezing: The actual freezing takes only a few seconds and may involve a repeated cycle of application and rest.
- Dressing: After the treatment, we generally cover the area with a small plaster that should be kept on for the first day.
Image Sourced from: https://www.ivanmed.com/ (Accessed 21/05/2024)
Cost and Booking
Each treatment session starts from £65.
Book an Appointment
For more information or to book an appointment, please use the contact form or call us directly at 01522 510299.
We’re here to help you get back on your feet!
A Targeted Treatment for Verruca
Verruca needling is a specialised technique for treating verruca, introduced by podiatrist Gordon Falknor in 1969. Although highly effective, it remains relatively underutilised and lesser known in the field of podiatry.
This treatment involves puncturing the skin cells infected with the virus multiple times with a needle. This exposes the virus particles directly to the subcutaneous fat layer, which is rich in immune cells. This action potentially initiates a systemic immune response, leading to the regression of the verruca. Unlike other treatment modalities (such as caustics, which can entail dozens of applications to be effective), needling requires one, very occasionally, two applications, making this an ideal treatment for busy people.
Image Sourced from: https://www.compleetfeet.co.uk/verruca-needlinglatest-effective-verruca-treatment/ (Accessed 21/05/2024).
Is Verruca Needling Painful?
The procedure is carried out painlessly under a local anaesthetic. While a few patients have reported mild soreness the day after, most experience no discomfort at all following treatment.
Treatment Procedure
- Local Anaesthetic: Depending on the verruca’s location, a suitable anaesthetic technique (tibial block, digital block, or local infiltration) is applied to numb the area.
- Needling: A hollow needle is used to puncture the verruca multiple times until the lesion is thoroughly perforated and the epidermis does not resist.
- Dressing: To protect the area after the procedure, a sterile, non-adherent dressing is applied. This dressing should be kept dry for at least 24 hours. It is important to avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, as these can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Image source: Consent from Patient.
Cost and Booking
Each treatment session starts from £235
Book an Appointment
For more information or to book an appointment, please use the contact form or call us directly at 01522 510299.
We’re here to help you get back on your feet!
“Tincture of Time” Approach
If it doesn’t hurt then leave it alone this is one option! A verruca spreads through the shedding of infected cells from the skin. They pose a unique challenge to the immune system because they emit very few viral signals, which typically help the immune system detect and respond to infections.
Image sourced from: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/Libraries (Accessed 21/05/2024).
How the Body Fights Verrucas
The immune system uses two main types of cells in the skin to combat verrucas: Langerhans cells, which detect and alert the immune system about the presence of the virus.
T cells, known as the immune system’s destroyers, which work to eliminate the virus. However, verrucas have developed ways to evade detection by Langerhans cells by releasing certain chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines confuse the Langerhans cells, preventing them from alerting the T cells to destroy the verruca.
Treatment Approaches
Most treatments for verrucas, such as needling, cryotherapy, and acid treatments, aim to stimulate the immune system by causing a small, controlled injury. This draws immune cells to the area and helps them recognise and fight off the verruca.
Natural Healing Process
Sometimes, verrucas resolve on their own, a process known as the “tincture of time.” This natural resolution happens when the immune system finally identifies and destroys the verrucas. While this can take a long time in adults, children’s immune systems are usually quicker to clear the infection, often within two years
Book an Appointment
For more information or to book an appointment, please use the contact form or call us directly at 01522 510299.
We’re here to help you get back on your feet!
Salicylic Acid Treatment
Salicylic acid treatment is a widely recognised and effective method for treating verruca, commonly used in both dermatology and podiatry. This treatment is available over the counter, making it easily accessible. The treatment works through a keratolytic process, where salicylic acid is applied directly to the verruca. It gradually peels away the infected skin, fostering a natural healing process and stimulating the immune system to fight the underlying virus. Salicylic acid treatments are less invasive than many other methods and generally require multiple applications, which makes them ideal for treating mild to moderate verruca. For more severe cases, a stronger concentration of salicylic acid can be provided by a podiatrist, offering a more potent treatment option.
Image sourced from: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/Libraries (Accessed 21/05/2024).
Is Salicylic Acid Treatment Painful?
Salicylic acid treatments are generally painless. Some patients might experience mild discomfort or irritation at the application site, but this is typically minor and subsides as the treatment progresses.
Treatment Procedure
- Preparation: The area around the verruca is cleaned and, if necessary, the verruca itself is pared down to allow better penetration of the acid.
- Application: Salicylic acid is applied directly to the verruca. The concentration of the acid and the form (gel, solution, or plaster) depend on the severity and sensitivity of the area.
- Protection: After application, a protective dressing is placed over the verruca to prevent the acid from affecting the surrounding skin. This dressing should be changed regularly, usually after each new application.
- Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment. These consistent check-ins help ensure that the verruca is being treated effectively without harming the surrounding healthy skin. For this treatment to be effective, it is essential for patients to adhere closely to the prescribed regimen.
Cost and Booking
Each treatment session starts from £50
Book an Appointment
For more information or to book an appointment, please use the contact form or call us directly at 01522 510299.
We’re here to help you get back on your feet!
Occlusal Taping Treatment
Occlusal taping is a traditional and straightforward method used to treat verruca, primarily in podiatric care. This approach involves the application of occlusive tape directly over the verruca to create a sealed environment that aids in the breakdown of the lesion.
This treatment works by depriving the verruca of air, which, in conjunction with the pressure from the tape, helps to soften and may eventually lead to the breakdown of the verruca tissue. Occlusal taping is a non-invasive method and typically requires consistent application over several weeks to be effective, making it suitable for patients willing to commit to regular self-care.
Image sourced from: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/Libraries (Accessed 21/05/2024).
Is Occlusal Taping Painful?
Occlusal taping is usually pain-free, but some patients might feel mild discomfort or irritation, influenced by the verruca’s location and how long the tape is worn. It’s important to avoid using duct or gaffer tape, as sometimes suggested. Instead, opt for medical-grade tape, such as zinc oxide tape, which is strong, waterproof, and safe for your unique skin. While occlusal taping offers a minimal chance of completely eradicating the verruca, it is a low-risk method that can effectively alleviate discomfort.
Treatment Procedure
- Preparation: The affected area is cleaned and dried to ensure the tape adheres properly.
- Application: A piece of occlusive tape is cut to size and firmly applied over the verruca, ensuring all edges are sealed. Leave in place for two-three days.
- Maintenance: The tape must be kept dry and intact. It should be replaced regularly, typically every few days, to maintain effectiveness and hygiene.
- Follow-up: Regular follow-ups are essential to assess the treatment’s progress and to make any necessary adjustments. Persistent and regular taping is crucial for the success of this treatment, as sporadic application can significantly reduce its effectiveness.
Book an Appointment
For more information or to book an appointment, please use the contact form or call us directly at 01522 510299.
We’re here to help you get back on your feet!
What is Swift?
Swift, a cutting-edge technology exclusively licensed in the UK for podiatrists, in the treatment of Verruca and warts. It harnesses the power of microwave energy, precisely delivered to the verruca site via a handheld probe.
Image sourced from: https://www.riverchasedermatology.com/swift/ (Accessed 21/05/2024).
How Swift Works
The microwaves penetrate to a specific, controlled depth, heating the water molecules and activating the body’s immune system. Each verruca is treated for 2-5 seconds and this is repeated between five and eight times per session. The treatment intensity is customised for each patient and each specific verruca.
Image sourced from: https://www.riverchasedermatology.com/swift/ (Accessed 21/05/2024).
Does it hurt?
Pain is a subjective experience, and sensations during Swift treatment can vary significantly between individuals. It is important to note that Swift is more painful than cryotherapy.
The discomfort during the procedure is notably sharp and extremely intense, lasting for 2-5 seconds and subsiding after the treatment.
Before the procedure, your podiatrist may decide to reduce the lesion with a blade to prepare the area.
Post-Treatment Care
No anaesthetics or dressings are needed after swift treatment, allowing you to continue your everyday activities. Any posttreatment soreness is typically mild and does not hinder daily tasks.
Number of Treatments Needed
This is dependent on how you respond to the treatment. In most cases, 1-3 treatments are required (these can be from 14 days to over a month apart depending on the response). Your Podiatrist will be able to discuss this with you.
Cost and Booking
Each treatment session starts at £125
Book an Appointment
For more information or to book an appointment, please use the contact form or call us directly at 01522 510299.
We’re here to help you get back on your feet!
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IMAGES SOURCED FROM AI: https://create.microsoft.com/en-us/features/ai-image-generator (Accessed 21/05/2024).
IMAGES PURCHASED COPYRIGHT SOURCED FROM: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/Libraries (Accessed 21/05/2024).
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TIDY, C., 2020. Warts and Verrucas: Causes and treatment: Are warts contagious. [online]. Available at: https://patient.info/skin-conditions/warts-and-verrucas-leaflet (Accessed 11 April 2024).
VLAHOVIC, T. C., & KHAN, M. T., 2016. The human papillomavirus and its role in plantar warts. Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, 33(3), 337–353. [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpm.2016.02.003 (Accessed 11 April 2024).
All images are for illustrative purposes only. Digital images were created using computer AI graphics. I have obtained the necessary patient consent for real-life photographs. Additionally, other pictures have been acquired through paid copyright fees.
