Verrucas: Causes, Prevention and Effective Treatment Options

What Is a Verruca?

Also known as plantar warts, verrucas are caused by a viral infection in the skin and typically appear on the soles of the feet. Because they develop on weight-bearing areas, they can grow inward and become uncomfortable or even painful when walking.

Although they are generally harmless, verrucas can be stubborn and contagious, so understanding what they are and how to manage them can help you choose the best way to deal with them.

What Causes Verrucas?

Verrucas are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through cuts, grazes, or even cracked skin on the feet. You may have heard that verrucas can be spread at swimming pools, and this is because wet skin is softer, making it easier for tiny cracks to form and allowing the virus to enter.

As mentioned, verrucas usually form on weight-bearing parts of the foot, so the constant pressure from walking can cause them to grow inward, which is when they may become painful.

Who Is Susceptible to Catching Verrucas?

While anyone can get a verruca, some people are more susceptible than others. Children and teenagers, adults with a weakened immune system, those with damaged skin on their feet, and people who regularly use public swimming pools are all considered higher-risk groups.

How Are Verrucas Caught?

The only way to catch a verruca is through direct contact with the virus. As mentioned, they are commonly picked up in swimming pools, but they can also be spread in showers and changing rooms, as well as on gym floors and mats.

The risk increases when walking barefoot, as this allows the skin to come into direct contact with these surfaces. If the virus is present and there are any breaks in the skin, it can then enter the foot.

How to Prevent Getting a Verruca

The best way to prevent getting a verruca is to minimise contact between your feet and surfaces in public areas where the virus may be present. Wearing flip-flops in communal pools, avoiding walking barefoot, keeping feet clean and dry, and treating or covering any cuts and cracks can all help to lower your risk.

How to Prevent Spreading Verrucas

If you have a verruca, it is important to be aware that they are contagious. To avoid developing additional verrucas or spreading them to others, avoid picking or scratching them, do not share towels, cover your feet when swimming or playing sports, and avoid sharing socks or footwear.

It is also beneficial to treat verrucas as soon as possible, as they can be stubborn and may spread over time.

Do Verrucas Always Need Treating?

Sometimes verrucas can resolve on their own. However, treatment is recommended if they are uncomfortable or painful, begin to spread or multiply, have been present for a long time, or are affecting your daily life. As mentioned, verrucas can be stubborn, so leaving them to resolve naturally does not always work.

Verruca Treatment Options

There are several treatment options available for verrucas, ranging from over-the-counter remedies to in-clinic procedures. Many people start with salicylic acid treatments, which aim to gradually break down the infected skin. These can take weeks or months of consistent use and are not always effective.

Cryotherapy, which is offered in some NHS and private settings, works by freezing the verruca. This can be uncomfortable and often requires multiple sessions. Verruca needling is another option, designed to stimulate an immune response, but it is not suitable for everyone.

Professional topical treatments applied by a trained practitioner are often more targeted and controlled. Verrucas may fail to respond to treatment or take a long time to resolve if the virus is deeply embedded, the diagnosis is incorrect, or the treatment is not suited to the individual. This is why an accurate assessment is essential before starting any treatment.

Verrutop: Our Preferred Verruca Treatment

At The Comfoot Zone, Debbie specialises in using Verrutop, a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment for verrucas. Verrutop is applied topically and works by dehydrating and breaking down the infected tissue.

Some of the key benefits of this treatment are that it is completely painless, does not require a dressing, and does not cause scarring or blistering. It also has a high success rate and a lower rate of recurrence compared to many other common treatments.

Around 49% of patients only require one application, although up to six treatments may be needed in some cases.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While over-the-counter treatments can be helpful in some cases, they are not always appropriate and can sometimes cause irritation, delayed healing, or damage to healthy skin. For this reason, we would recommend seeing a professional for assessment and treatment.

Seeking professional advice is particularly important for people with diabetes, those with a weakened immune system, or anyone experiencing significant pain or bleeding. A professional evaluation ensures the correct diagnosis is made and that the most suitable treatment plan is put in place.

Don’t Let Verrucas Take Over Your Feet

Verrucas are very treatable, even though they can be stubborn. The earlier they are assessed and treated, the easier they are to manage. If you have a verruca, or think you may have one, feel free to get in touch. We are always happy to answer questions, offer advice, or book you in for an assessment or treatment.

Contact us: hello@comfootzone.co.uk | 01903 532159