Verruca Treatment

Conditions

Verrucae

Verrucae are a type of wart caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They commonly appear on the soles of the feet and can vary in size and appearance. While usually harmless, verrucae can be uncomfortable, slow to clear on their own, and may spread to other parts of the foot – or to other people – if left untreated. At City Chiropody & Podiatry, our HCPC-registered podiatrists in Loughton and the City of London offer a full range of proven verruca treatments, from cryotherapy and needling to SWIFT microwave therapy, helping you find lasting relief, faster.

Verrucae: What Are They?

A verruca is a small, often rough growth on the skin caused by one of the many strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). When HPV enters the skin – usually through a tiny cut or break on the sole of the foot – it triggers excess skin cell growth, forming the hard, raised patch typically associated with verrucae. Verrucae are sometimes mistaken for corns or calluses, but unlike these, they interrupt the natural skin lines on the sole of the foot and often contain small black dots, which are tiny clotted blood vessels feeding the wart.

Causes:

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for the development of verrucae. This virus thrives in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, communal showers, and changing rooms. It can enter the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, particularly where the skin is softened by moisture, leading to the formation of a verruca.

Signs and Symptoms:

Identifying verrucae early can make treatment quicker and more straightforward. Look out for:

Small, rough growths on the soles of the feet, often with a cauliflower-like surface.
Black dots (tiny blood vessels) within the verruca.
Pain or tenderness when squeezing the sides of the lesion, or when walking or standing (a good way to tell a verruca apart from a corn, which is usually more painful under direct pressure).
Verrucae that cluster together or multiply over time.

Professional Treatment Options

Verrucae can be resistant to treatment, so most methods require more than one appointment – at your first visit, your podiatrist will assess the verruca and agree a treatment plan and realistic timescale with you. At City Chiropody & Podiatry, we offer:

Cryotherapy: using liquid nitrogen, we freeze the verruca, destroying the infected skin so it eventually falls off.
Salicylic Acid Treatment: topical applications gradually break down verruca tissue, removing the wart over a course of treatment.
SWIFT Microwave Therapy: our most advanced option – a quick, evidence-based treatment that uses microwave energy to target the verruca and trigger the body’s own immune response. Read more about SWIFT microwave therapy
Needling: a minimally invasive procedure using a fine needle under local anaesthetic to stimulate an immune response against the verruca.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

Most verrucae are harmless, but it’s worth booking an appointment if a verruca is painful, growing, spreading, or hasn’t responded to over-the-counter treatment after a few weeks. We’d also recommend professional treatment if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or you’re not sure whether a lesion is actually a verruca – early, correct diagnosis makes treatment far more effective.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You can reduce the risk of picking up or spreading a verruca by:

Avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas such as swimming pools, gyms, and changing rooms.
Keeping feet clean and dry, especially in humid environments.
Changing socks and shoes regularly, and avoiding sharing footwear or towels.
Promptly treating any cuts or abrasions on the feet.
Not picking or scratching a verruca, which can help it spread to other areas.

FAQs

Do verrucae go away on their own?

Some verrucae, particularly in children, do clear up without treatment – though this can take months or even years. Because they can be painful and contagious in the meantime, most people prefer not to wait and choose professional treatment instead.

Are verrucae contagious?

Yes. Verrucae are caused by HPV and can spread through direct contact or via damp communal surfaces such as pool sides and shower floors.

How long does it take to get rid of a verruca?

This depends on the size of the verruca and the treatment used. Some patients see results after a single SWIFT microwave therapy session, while others need a short course of treatment – your podiatrist will give you a personalised estimate at your assessment.

Can children have verrucae treated at City Chiropody?

Yes, children can be treated – suitability depends on age, general health, and the severity of the verruca. Our team will talk you through the gentlest, most appropriate option for your child.

Verrucae can be a source of discomfort and inconvenience, but with the professional care available at City Chiropody & Podiatry, you can find an effective solution for this common foot condition. Don’t let a verruca disrupt your daily activities – contact us today to book an appointment and take the first step toward healthier, wart-free feet.

Reviews

Our reviews say we are the best podiatrists in London - take a look at what our patients have to say!

We combine our years of training and experience with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for any foot and lower limb-related problems.

Our team of London based foot specialists have been treating a variety of foot conditions since 1989 and now Our reviews say we are the best podiatrists in London – take a look at a full list of our reviews here!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 89 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Jamie Knowles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been going to this place for years. Always extremely personal and professional. Chris, Andrew and Mimi are all great. Would recommend
  
 
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   J D M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was treated quickly, professionally, by a friendly and reassuring expert.  It couldn't have been better service!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Doherty 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Chris Barrett! A complete professional who explains the treatment plan in a clear and detailed manner. Many thanks!!
  
 
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   ambiii 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andrew is really really nice and kind!! Please visit here with your full trust! You can just tell that he definitely cares about his patients and recommends the best thing to do out of his kind heart! I 100% recommend this place and thank you Andrew :)
  
 
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   priya prakash 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris Barrett saw me on short notice before I travel. He was brilliant. Super thorough, quick, gracious and reassuring - A real pro. So happy to have had my runner feet sorted by Chris. Thank you ☺️
  
 
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   Barby Wardill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Couldn’t have been easier or better. Thank you so much for such a high quality speedy service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vadim G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you, Chris! Fantastic job
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shaun R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris Barrett is very skilled along with excellent service and treatment received due to the condition of my feet considering they look quite bad I did not think much could be done the condition has improved greatly Thank you.
  
 
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   I G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mimi is so excellent I couldn’t recommend her enough. Excellent care, delivered professionally and in such a kind manner , always going above and beyond in every appointment. She has helped me enormously and my issue has been resolved! Whatever she is getting paid it’s not enough!!!
Thank you so much Mimi !!!
  
 
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   Claudia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Mimi enough!  She always does an amazing job. Every visit she takes such great care of my feet. She removes all my calluses and leaves my feet incredibly soft. She’s professional, has a warm manner and great attention to detail which make every visit a pleasure. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and delivers amazing results, I highly recommend Mimi!