Verrucas

A verruca is a wart on the sole of the foot, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Verrucas are very common, especially in children and teenagers. They are usually harmless, but they can be painful, particularly on weight bearing areas, and they can spread.

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Symptoms

A small, rough lump on the sole of the foot, often flattened by walking
Tiny black dots in the centre, which are small blood vessels
Pain when standing or walking on it, or when it is squeezed from the sides
Clusters of small verrucas close together, known as mosaic verrucas
Hard skin over the top, which can make it look like a corn

Common causes

Contact with the virus on damp surfaces, such as swimming pools, showers and changing rooms
Small cuts, cracks or soft, wet skin that let the virus in
Sharing towels, socks or footwear
A weakened immune system
Picking or scratching an existing verruca, which can spread it

What else can look similar

Corns
Hard skin and calluses
Other skin lesions. Any lump that bleeds, changes or grows quickly should always be checked

What you can try at home

Many verrucas go away on their own, although this can take months or even years
Over the counter treatments containing salicylic acid can help, but should not be used if you have diabetes or poor circulation
Cover the verruca with a plaster or wear a verruca sock when swimming
Do not share towels, socks or footwear
Avoid picking or scratching the verruca
If a verruca is painful, spreading or not responding to treatment, it needs a professional podiatry assessment

How we can help

An assessment to confirm it is a verruca rather than a corn
Reducing the hard skin over the verruca to ease the pain straight away
Cryotherapy (freezing)
Acid treatments
Verrutop, a painless treatment applied directly to the verruca every two weeks, suitable for adults and children
Verruca needling for stubborn or multiple verrucas
Advice on stopping verrucas spreading or coming back

Which appointment to book

If you think you have a verruca, you are recommended to book one of the following appointments:

A verruca treatment or routine podiatry appointment
A verruca needling initial assessment, if you have a long-standing or stubborn verruca, or several verrucas

If you are not sure which appointment is right for you, call us on 02920 644900 or email info@feetinfocus.com and we will help.

Common questions

Can I go swimming with a verruca?

Yes. Cover the verruca with a waterproof plaster or wear a verruca sock to reduce the chance of passing it on to others, and dry your feet well afterwards.

Do verrucas go away on their own?

Many do, especially in children, but it can take months or years and they can spread in the meantime. If a verruca is painful, spreading or affecting what you can do, it is worth having it treated.

Is verruca needling painful?

The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel the needling itself. The area is usually tender for a few days afterwards. It typically requires fewer appointments than treatments such as Verrutop or cryotherapy, with one or two follow-up reviews to check your progress.