If you are struggling with a persistent, uncomfortable verruca, you already know how frustrating this condition can be. Verrucae can cause significant discomfort when walking, participating in sports, or simply going about your daily routine. Because the feet bear the full weight of the body, what begins as a minor irritation can quickly become a debilitating problem. Alternatively, your verruca may be pain-free but unsightly, and you know it is a contagious viral infection that you simply cannot clear.
Our dedicated team of clinical experts is committed to helping you clear your verruca and the HPV virus that causes it. At our state-of-the-art clinic in the heart of Farnham, we provide advanced, evidence-based verruca treatment tailored to your specific needs. You do not need to endure the discomfort or hide your feet any longer. Take the first step towards clear, healthy skin and restore your confidence with our professional care.
Unlike warts on the hands, verrucae often appear flat because the feet are exposed to constant pressure from walking and standing. This pressure pushes the verruca into the skin, where it can press on sensitive underlying tissues and nerve endings, which is why verrucae can be so painful. You may also notice small black dots within the verruca; these are not roots, as commonly believed, but tiny blood vessels that supply the viral tissue.
Unlike warts on the hands, verrucae are pushed inward by the constant pressure of walking and standing. This inward growth causes the hardened skin to press deeply into the sensitive underlying tissues and nerve endings, which is precisely why they can be so painful. You may also notice small black dots within the verruca; these are not roots, as commonly believed, but tiny, clotted blood vessels that supply the viral tissue.
The HPV virus is highly contagious and can spread through several routes, including walking barefoot on a contaminated floor surface or direct contact from one person to another. This means there is a risk of passing the infection on to others, as well as spreading an existing infection to other areas of your own skin.
Common locations and environments for transmission include:
Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible to contracting verrucae because they frequently share changing facilities for sports and physical education. However, adults are completely vulnerable to the infection at any age. If your immune system is slightly compromised or if you have a break in the skin of your foot, your risk of developing an HPV infection, such as a verruca or wart, increases significantly.”
Why Over-the-Counter Solutions Often Fail
When faced with a verruca, many patients first turn to pharmacy treatments. While these over-the-counter options are widely available, they often yield disappointing results. It is incredibly common for patients to visit our clinic after months of diligently applying retail gels, paints, or freezing kits, only to find the verruca remains firmly in place or has grown larger.
There are several reasons why non-prescription treatments may struggle to resolve the issue. Firstly, the skin on the soles of the feet is naturally much thicker than anywhere else on the body. Standard salicylic acid formulations available at the pharmacy are frequently not strong enough to penetrate this robust layer of keratinised skin and reach the viral tissue underneath. Removing this hard, keratinised skin can only be done safely in a podiatry clinic.
Secondly, retail freezing kits do not reach the extremely low temperatures achieved by professional clinical equipment, making them less effective at destroying the infected cells.
Thirdly, the soles of your feet are difficult to see clearly, which can make it challenging to apply treatment correctly.
Finally, self-diagnosis can be misleading. Many people mistake a painful corn for a verruca. Applying verruca acid treatments to a corn can cause severe tissue damage, chemical burns, and heightened pain. A professional assessment is vital to ensure you are treating the correct condition.
It is important to note that the NHS does not generally provide treatment for verrucae, classifying them as minor skin conditions. This leaves many individuals suffering in pain with limited guidance. Seeking professional podiatry advice is the safest and most effective way to address the problem.
Our expert podiatrists have extensive experience in accurately diagnosing foot lesions. We can easily distinguish a verruca from a corn, callus, or other dermatological issue, ensuring your treatment plan is both safe and appropriate. By choosing professional verruca removal, you access clinical-grade treatments that are simply not available to the general public.
The treatment options available at Waverley Clinic will be fully explained and chosen to best suit your clinical condition.
Persistent foot problems do not have to disrupt your life. The dedicated team at Waverley Clinic is here to provide the highest standard of professional care, helping you overcome the frustration of stubborn verrucae. Our clinic combines extensive clinical expertise with a supportive, patient-focused approach, ensuring you feel confident and informed throughout your treatment journey.
We are proud to serve the Farnham community, offering immediate relief and long-term solutions for all your podiatric needs. Do not let pain hold you back. Enhance your mobility and take control of your foot health today.
Alternatively, speak directly with our friendly reception team – available 24/7 – to discuss your needs and schedule your visit – Tel: 01252 716611
Yes. Verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through direct skin contact or by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces, such as swimming pool floors and changing rooms. The virus can also spread to other areas of your own feet. To reduce the risk, avoid sharing towels and footwear, keep the verruca covered in communal areas, and avoid picking or scratching it.
Yes, you can continue swimming. Simply cover the verruca with a waterproof plaster or wear a verruca sock to protect others from infection. It is also sensible to wear flip-flops in changing rooms and showers, and to dry your feet thoroughly afterwards, as warm, damp conditions help the virus to spread.
A verruca is a viral infection of the skin, while a corn is a build-up of hard skin caused by pressure or friction. Verrucas often contain tiny black dots (small blood vessels) and are usually painful when squeezed from the sides, whereas corns tend to hurt with direct pressure. Because the treatments are very different, a professional assessment is the safest way to be sure.
Many verrucas do eventually clear without treatment as the immune system fights the virus, but this can take many months or even a couple of years. During that time, a verruca may grow, multiply or spread to others. If your verruca is painful, spreading, or simply not improving, professional treatment can help to clear it more effectively.
Following an assessment, your podiatrist will explain the most suitable option for your verruca. Treatments include professional-strength salicylic acid, which is stronger than products available from the pharmacy, and cryotherapy, which freezes the infected skin cells at far lower temperatures than retail freezing kits. For some early-stage verrucas, we may advise a specific pharmacy treatment you can use at home.
Most patients find treatment very manageable. Your podiatrist will gently reduce the hard skin over the verruca first, which is usually painless. Cryotherapy can cause a brief stinging sensation, and the area may feel tender for a few days afterwards. Salicylic acid treatment may cause mild soreness as it works. We will always explain what to expect and how to care for your foot between appointments.
This depends on the size, number and age of your verrucas, as well as how your immune system responds. Most verrucas need a course of several treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, to clear completely. Your podiatrist will give you a realistic treatment plan at your first appointment and review your progress at every visit.
Yes. Verrucas are very common in children, particularly those who swim or take part in barefoot sports. We take a gentle, reassuring approach and will recommend the most suitable treatment for your child’s age and comfort. Not every verruca in a child needs treatment, so we will always discuss the options with you first.
