If you have noticed a verruca on your foot, you might be wondering whether it will go away by itself. While some verrucas disappear naturally, others can persist for months or years, causing pain, discomfort or spreading to other areas. Here is what you need to know about verrucas going away on their own and when professional treatment is the better option.
What is a verruca?
A verruca is a type of wart caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear on the soles of the feet and often look like small, rough growths with tiny black dots in the centre. The pressure of walking flattens verrucas, pushing them inward and making them feel like there is a stone under your foot.
Can verrucas go away without treatment?
Yes, verrucas can go away on their own. This happens when your immune system recognises the virus and fights it off. In children and young people, this can happen within a few months to a couple of years. However, for many adults, verrucas can be more stubborn and may not clear without help.
Why do some verrucas go away while others stay?
The main reason is how your immune system responds to the HPV virus. Some people’s bodies quickly recognise and attack the virus, clearing the verruca naturally. Others may not mount a strong enough immune response, allowing the verruca to persist or grow.
Factors affecting whether verrucas go away include:
- Your age – children clear verrucas faster than adults
- The strength of your immune system
- How long you have had the verruca
- Whether it is being irritated or traumatised through walking or pressure
How long do verrucas take to go away naturally?
For some people, verrucas disappear within a few months. For others, it can take two years or more. During this time, the verruca may remain the same size, grow larger or spread to other areas of the foot, becoming more difficult to treat later.
What are the risks of waiting for a verruca to go away?
While waiting for a verruca to clear naturally is an option, there are some downsides:
- Pain or discomfort, especially when walking, standing or exercising
- Spreading to other parts of your foot or to other people
- Becoming larger or forming clusters (mosaic verrucas)
- Emotional effects, such as feeling self-conscious when barefoot
When should you consider professional verruca treatment?
If your verruca is:
- Painful or affecting your daily life
- Growing in size or spreading to other areas
- Still present after trying home treatments
- Causing embarrassment or stopping you from enjoying activities such as swimming or going barefoot
- If you have diabetes, reduced immunity or poor circulation, you should always seek professional advice before treating a verruca yourself. In these cases, podiatry assessment is essential to keep your feet healthy and avoid complications.
What professional treatments are available for verrucas?
At Provide Wellbeing, we offer clinically proven treatments to help remove verrucas safely and effectively.
SWIFT Microwave Therapy
SWIFT uses microwave energy to target and destroy virus-infected tissue while stimulating your immune system to clear the infection. It is quick, clean and does not require dressings or aftercare restrictions, allowing you to continue daily activities as normal.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the verruca with medical-grade liquid nitrogen or a specialist freezing device. This destroys the infected cells and encourages your immune system to fight off the virus. Multiple sessions may be needed, depending on the verruca’s size and depth.
Why choose professional treatment instead of waiting?
Professional treatments are designed to clear verrucas faster and more effectively than waiting or home treatments. They target the virus deeply, reducing the risk of recurrence and helping you get back to pain-free movement and confidence sooner.
Your next step
If you are tired of waiting for your verruca to go away or if it is causing pain or spreading, book a consultation with Provide Wellbeing today. Our experienced podiatry team will assess your verruca and recommend the best treatment to help you move forward comfortably and confidently.
