The responsible virus is the Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) and there are many strains of this which are benign (harmless) although some cancers can look like viral warts so it is important to have suspected verruca’s investigated by a Foot Health Practitioner or Podiatrist just to be sure.
Verruca’s get embedded when they get access to the base layer of the epidermis usually when the skin is wet and has micro tears which is why they can often be picked up at swimming pools or showers where they can transmit easily.
What is the treatment?
Verrucas are viral infections and as such will disappear spontaneously usually after 6 weeks to 8 months on average. There is no single treatment that is 10 effective. Treatment is only indicated if there is pain or the patient is concerned about it for any reason. Treatment options are:
-
Scalpel debridement: removal of the hard skin build-up coving the verruca to make walking more comfortable. This will need to be completed on a regular basis
-
Occlusion: occlusive tape is applied to lock in moisture and relieve the hardness of the area which causes pain.
-
Caustics: such as Salactol can be used to create an inflammation response which can cause the body to resolve the verruca more quickly. However, there are risks and those with ‘at risk’ feet may need a more cautious approach which would need to be discussed with the Foot Health Practitioner.
-
Cryotherapy: the use of very cold temperatures to ‘freeze’ the lesion and create an immune response in the body to resolve the virus.
Faulkner’s needling: under local anaesthetic, a sterile needle is put through the verruca many times to create an immune response in the body to resolve the virus