Verruca
A verruca is simply a wart found predominantly on the sole of the foot, however they can also appear around the toes. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which enters the body through tiny cuts or abrasions normally on the bottom of the foot. The virus is very contagious and thrives in warm moist conditions such as the surrounding areas of swimming pools, changing rooms and bathrooms. The virus can also be passed on through towels.
Normally antibodies in the blood can destroy the HPV, but in some cases it takes refuge in the skin and causes a verruca.
Pressure from walking or standing often causes them to grow deep into the layers of the skin.
Treatments
- Cryotherapy – This involves freezing warts with liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide gas. This needs to be repeated every 2-3 weeks over a period of time, however this is difficult to determine because it is dependant upon the size of the verruca and the length of time it has been present.
- Excision Surgery – This involves the paring down of the verruca using a scalpel, after which . Salicylic acid is applied topically. This treatment requires multiple applications, again over an undetermined period of time, and results in the disintegration of viral cells, allowing healthy cells to replace them.
- Swift Microwave Therapy – Swift is an advanced, state-of-the-art treatment for verrucae that uses precise microwave energy to target the affected tissue. The energy passes safely through the skin, generating controlled heat within the verruca to stimulate the body’s natural immune response against the HPV virus. This highly effective treatment is delivered in just a few seconds, with most patients requiring a course of 3-4 treatments spaced four weeks apart, followed by a review appointment to ensure optimal results.
