If a verruca has not responded to over-the-counter treatments, or keeps coming back, verruca needling (also known as Falknor’s needling) may help. At our Cardiff city-centre clinic, an HCPC-registered podiatrist carries out the treatment under local anaesthetic, prompting your own immune system to recognise and clear the virus.
Call 02920 644900 · Email info@feetinfocus.com
Verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be stubborn because the virus sits in the outer layers of the skin, where the immune system tends to overlook it.
Needling works differently from treatments that freeze or burn the skin. Once the area is numb, the podiatrist gently punctures the verruca many times with a fine, sterile needle. This pushes some of the affected tissue into the deeper layers of the skin, giving your immune system a clearer target so it can respond to the virus and clear the verruca.
Because the treatment works through your immune system, it can also help where there are several verrucas.
Needling has been used since the 1970s, and has become much more widely used over the last 10 to 15 years.
Needling is not suitable for everyone. It may not be recommended if you have diabetes, poor circulation, a bleeding disorder or a weakened immune system, or if you are pregnant.
We check your medical history at your assessment. Children are assessed individually, as needling may not be suitable for some children. If needling is not right for you, we will recommend another treatment instead.
Verruca needling is offered as a package that includes your treatment and one or two follow-up reviews. You will need an initial assessment first, booked separately, to check needling is right for you. It is a convenient option for those travelling further or with busy schedules, as it typically requires fewer appointments than treatments such as Verrutop or cryotherapy. It can also work out better value, especially if you have several verrucas. If you would like advice first, a standard verruca appointment is a good place to start.
If you prefer to book over the phone, please call 02920 644900. Please be aware deposits are taken at the time of booking.
First visit? See our New Patients guide for what to expect.
Your assessment. We confirm the diagnosis, check your medical history and make sure needling is the right treatment for you.
Your needling appointment. We numb the area with a local anaesthetic, so the treatment itself should not be painful. We then needle the verruca and apply a protective dressing.
Your review. We check how the area is healing and whether the verruca is clearing. It usually takes several weeks to months for a verruca to go after needling.
Your foot may stay numb for a few hours, so you may want to arrange a lift home. The area can feel sore once the anaesthetic wears off, and simple pain relief usually helps.
Please keep the dressing clean and dry for as long as we advise, and avoid swimming and sport until we say it is fine. We will give you full aftercare advice on the day.
Accreditations
Book your assessment online, or call the clinic and we will help you decide whether needling is the right treatment for your verruca.
Feet In Focus, 32 Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2DZ · Tuesday to Friday (Thursday until 7:30pm) · 02920 644900
Serving Cardiff, Penarth, the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales
