What is a Verruca?

Verruca are benign tumours, caused by an infection of the epidermal keratinocytes by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) through abrasion of the skin surface.

The virus can remain latent for up to 8 months, evading the immune system, often reproducing and spreading to other hosts (people) through exfoliation.

The virus alters the character of the epidermis, resulting in the visible warty appearance. The skin striae are interrupted and there may be small black bleeding points, representing thrombosed capillaries of dermal papillae, which have extended to the surface of the lesion.

Bleeding does not spread the virus as it can only replicate in the epidermis.

Verruca Sub-types

There are more than 100 known types of HPV, verruca, but the most common warts on the feet are the sub-types, 1, 2 & 4.

There is no one treatment which works 100% of the time for all people. The best a podiatrist can do is instigate the battle between the White Blood Cells and the virus and hope the WBC’s win!

How can the podiatrists at Care for Feet help?

After an initial consultation the podiatrist will advise on the best treatment options for your verruca. This may include Falknor’s verruca treatment.

Falknor’s Verruca Treatment Procedure

The podiatrist will conduct the procedure in the Clinic for your comfort and convenience.

  • Administer local anaesthetic into your foot making the area of skin numb
  • Remove any overlying hard skin or callus with a scalpel blade
  • Cleanse with iodine
  • Use a sterile needle to puncture the entire lesion ensuring it is perforated and bleeds
  • Apply a sterile dressing

Verrucae on 15 year old girl

Verruca Pre Needling

8 weeks post op

Long standing verruca

8 weeks post op

 

 

 

 

Post operative advice

  • The patient is advised to go home and rest for the remainder of the day
  • To avoid NSAIDS or other anti-inflammatory medication for 48 hours to increase the local inflammatory response
  • To lightly shower and wash the area after keeping dry for 24 hours
  • Wound inspection and reduction of any uncomfortable scab is performed 1-2 weeks post op if required
  • A final inspection is advised at 8 weeks post op to check success of procedure

 

If you would like to know if Falknor’s verruca treatment would be suitable for you, telephone the clinic to book an initial assessment and view pricing here.

 

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Swift to fight Verrucae

Verruca Experts Chapel en le Frith

Swift delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the
tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy – quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined depth.

Falknor’s Treatment for Verrucae

Verruca Needling Buxton

By puncturing through the skin cells of the verrucae this method seeks to cause an inflammatory response that stimulates the body’s immune system helping it to recognise and destroy the virus.

Tape Occlusion Therapy

Applying Sleek tape to Verruca

At each appointment, the verruca is examined, photographed and measurements noted in your file.

As a non-evasive home treatment, many patients find this method suitable initially.