IN NORTH LONDON
Verrucae are a virus of the skin, appearing as a small, rough lump. They can occur at any age and can be both painful and stubborn.
Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), verrucae are a virus of the skin – spread easily through skin contact and infected surfaces. They appear as small, rough lumps on the skin, often with black dots in the centre. They can be itchy and painful to put weight on, and prove to be difficult to remove. They can also spread to more than one area and to each foot.
At My Podiatry Clinic, I offer several treatment options that would take into consideration the type, size and location of the lesion as well as the age and activity levels of the patient. This opens up an option of treatments, to suit you and your specific needs. However, whether we treat it is dependent upon the symptoms.
Cryosurgery
The verruca is frozen using liquid nitrogen. It creates a blister that scabs over and then falls off, leaving the healthy skin underneath.
Swift Microwave Therapy
A probe is used to generate microwave energy to the skin, to help treat and eradicate the verruca. This is a highly effective and tolerated treatment.
Topical Acid Treatments
Some acid treatments include creams, lotions, and gels. One of the most common and effective topical acids is salicylic acid, which is then applied to the verruca and dressed securely. It helps to break down and dissolve the verruca.
Needling
Using a sterile needle, the verruca is punctured multiple times to stimulate the body’s immune system.
No Treatment
No treatment is also an option, and sometimes, leaving them alone can be the best thing to do. There are many cases in which verrucae resolve on their own. As treatment can be painful, this may be the preferable course of action, particularly for young children.
