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VerrucaE

What are they?

A verruca is a small growth that forms on the skin caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Most people will get them at some point in their lives and it may take months or even years for them to disappear. They can be irritating, itchy or in some cases painful. 

Verruca’s are usually harmless and will go away by themselves. In children, approximately 50% disappear within a year and 66% within 2 years. It may take longer for verrucae to clear up in adults – in some cases, 10 years.

What can I do for you?

There are many different ways to treat a verruca, none of which are guaranteed to work. Often, leaving warts is the best option, especially for children, as some treatments can be time-consuming, painful and cause side-effects. 

You may want to have warts treated if they become painful, unsightly or don’t go away. There are many different types of treatment for warts, but none are guaranteed to work.

• Salicylic acid: An acid is applied to the verruca and a dressing securely holds it in place. The dressing has to stay on and dry between appointments, 1 - 2 weeks apart. Between 4-6 treatments are usually required

• Cryotherapy: The verruca is frozen with liquid nitrogen. 3+ treatments are usually required

• Dry needling: The region surrounding the verruca is numbed with local anaesthetic. The verruca is then punctured multiple times with a needle to initiate a strong immune response. Between 1-2 treatments are usually required

• Swift Microwave Therapy: A specialised microwave energy is applied directly to the verruca to stimulate the body’s immune response and target the infected tissue. No dressings are required, and patients can continue normal activities immediately after treatment. Treatments are typically spaced 4 weeks apart, with an average of 3–4 sessions required.