Verrucae Treatment

Verrucae are caused by the human papilloma virus. They are characterised by a disturbance in the skin striae with a cloud like or cauliflower pattern, some have black or brown spots that are dilated capillaries that may bleed readily when filed. They can be singular or large diffuse areas. It is thought that the virus is spread mechanically through micro injury of the skin. This may take place during barefoot activities when the skin has been wet for sometime. Skin vitality is compromised when wet. The immunological response to the virus usually causes regression within 6-8 months.

Treatments

Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill the verruca tissue triggering an immunological response. Please see cryosurgery for more information.

Chryosurgery £28

The verruca is debrided (cut back) and then the area is masked with zinc oxide tape to prevent any healthy tissue being damaged by the acid. The acid is applied to the hole in the middle and then tape is applied over the top. The area has to be kept dry for 5 days then the dressing can be removed. There is no need for the area to be neutralised as the acid is self limiting and will have stopped working. Should the area become painful prior to the five days then the dressing should be removed and the bicarbonate of soda that was supplied dissolved in a bowl of warm water and the foot should be soaked for 5 minutes. The acid treatment may need to be repeated, the more frequently it is repeated the better the chance it has of working. Ideally the treatment should be repeated every week, with a maximum interval of 3 weeks providing the verruca is treated at home with either Verugon or Occlusal.

The initial treatment is followed by an appointment 24 hours later. No intervention is generally necessary. In the case of excessive pain or "tracking" (red lines appearing from lesion upwards) then dressing should be removed and foot should be soaked in a bowl of warm water and bicarbonate of soda provided for 5 minutes and the follow on appointment kept.

Verruca treatment £23.50

More treatments...