What is a Verruca?

Verruca’s (plantar warts) are caused by a viral infection in the epidermal top layer of the skin. The culprit is a benign strain of the human papillomavirus virus (HPV). Verrucas are contagious and you should not share towels, shoes or socks with other people to avoid spreading the virus and avoid going barefoot. At the clinic I will remove any overlying thick hard skin/callus that may be causing pain and to try to encourage the body’s natural immune system to fight the virus.

I will discuss all the options for treatment with you and give advice on the path most suited to you, your specific verruca and your lifestyle. Most verrucae will go away themselves given a ‘tincture of time’, but some stubborn ones may need help. Often trial and error with treatments is required to find an effective cure, as there is currently no treatment or medication on the market that guarantees eliminating verrucae.