Verrucas

What do verrucas look like?

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Verrucas, also known as plantar warts, typically appear on the soles of the feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They tend to have a rough, grainy surface with small black dots in the centre, which are blood vessels.

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Verrucas can be flat or raised and are often painful when pressure is applied, making them particularly troublesome when walking or standing. Unlike regular warts, verrucas are often deeper in the skin and can become more painful as they grow, especially if not treated.

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What causes verrucas?

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Verrucas are caused by a viral infection of the skin, specifically by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions on the feet.

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This virus is contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or surface, such as floors in communal showers, swimming pools, or gym locker rooms. Key contributing factors include:

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• Direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surface.
  
  
• Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to developing verrucas.
  
  
• Friction and pressure: Walking and standing put pressure on the soles of the feet, which can worsen the pain associated with verrucas and allow them to grow deeper into the skin.
  
  

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Should I be concerned about verrucas?

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Verrucas are typically not harmful but can cause discomfort or pain, especially when pressure is applied while walking or standing. While they may eventually go away on their own, this can take a long time—sometimes months or even years.

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The longer they persist, the deeper they can grow, leading to more discomfort and the risk of spreading the virus. If a verruca is causing pain, is not responding to over-the-counter treatments, or is spreading, professional help may be necessary to safely and effectively remove it.

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How do we treat verrucas at Elite Skin Studio?

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At Elite Skin Studio, we offer effective advanced electrolysis treatment for verruca removal. Using controlled heat, the treatment destroys the tissue of the verruca, allowing the skin to heal and return to normal. Here's how we approach verruca removal:

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1. Consultation: During your consultation, we assess the size, location, and depth of the verruca to determine the best treatment plan. If necessary, we may also assess whether any medical attention is needed.
   
   
2. Treatment: We use a sterile, fine probe to apply a controlled electrical current to the verruca, effectively removing the tissue. Due to the nature of verrucas, multiple sessions may be needed to fully treat them, especially if they are deeply embedded or have been present for a long time.
   
   
3. Aftercare: After treatment, the area may feel sore or tender for a short time. It's normal for scabbing to occur as the skin heals. We’ll provide aftercare instructions to ensure you can continue to care for your skin while it heals and avoid further irritation.
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How do I prevent verrucas from coming back?

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Verrucas can be persistent and may come back, especially if the virus isn’t fully eradicated. Here are some steps you can take to prevent recurrence:

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• Keep feet clean and dry: Fungal infections like verrucas thrive in warm, damp conditions, so it’s important to keep your feet clean and dry.
  
  
• Use protective footwear in public places: Wear flip-flops or other protective shoes in communal areas like swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms.
  
  
• Avoid picking or scratching: This can spread the virus to other areas of your body or to other people.
  
  
• Avoid sharing personal items: Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes, as this can spread the virus.
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What are the limitations of verruca treatment?

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Verruca removal can take multiple sessions, especially for larger or more deeply-rooted verrucas. While advanced electrolysis is a highly effective treatment, there is no guaranteed outcome, and verrucas can occasionally return.

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Each individual’s response to treatment can vary, and some verrucas may require further sessions if not fully eradicated after the initial treatment.

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