Verrucas are a common foot problem caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While some verrucas disappear on their own, others can become painful, persistent or spread to different areas of your feet. Knowing when to seek professional verruca removal can save you discomfort, speed up recovery and prevent the problem from worsening.
What is a verruca?
A verruca is a type of wart that develops on the soles of your feet. Often, it has a rough surface with tiny black dots inside, which are small blood vessels that have clotted. Unlike warts on other parts of the body, verrucas are usually flattened because of the pressure from walking or standing, which pushes them inward. This can feel like there is a small stone or pebble under your foot each time you step.
Some verrucas grow outwards, appearing more raised above the skin. However, the majority are pressed into the foot, making them more uncomfortable than warts on your hands or other areas.
Why do verrucas appear?
Verrucas are caused by HPV entering the skin through small cuts or abrasions. They are common in places like swimming pools, gyms and communal showers, where the virus can be picked up from damp floors. While anyone can develop a verruca, they are especially common in children, teenagers, swimmers and people who go barefoot in shared spaces.
When does a verruca need treatment?
It’s causing pain or discomfort
If your verruca is making it uncomfortable to walk, stand or exercise, it is a sign that treatment may be needed. Pain often occurs when the verruca is located on a weight-bearing area, such as the ball or heel of your foot, pressing into nerve endings with every step.
It is growing in size or spreading
A single verruca can quickly become multiple verrucas if left untreated, forming a cluster known as mosaic warts. If you notice the verruca growing larger, developing daughter verrucas around it or spreading to other areas of your foot, it is worth seeking professional advice to stop it becoming a bigger problem.
You have tried home treatments without success
Many people first try over-the-counter treatments such as salicylic acid gels, creams or medicated plasters. While these can work for some, verrucas often have a stubborn root and thickened skin layers, making them difficult to treat fully at home. If you have used these treatments for several weeks with little or no improvement, professional treatment is likely to be more effective.
It is affecting your confidence or daily activities
For some, having a verruca can be embarrassing, especially if you swim regularly or need to be barefoot in public changing rooms. If your verruca is causing you to avoid activities you enjoy or making you feel self-conscious, it may be time to consider professional removal to restore your confidence.
You have a health condition that affects your feet
If you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced immunity or any condition that affects sensation in your feet, it is important to avoid self-treating verrucas. In these cases, always seek professional podiatry advice to keep your feet healthy and avoid complications.
Do verrucas ever go away on their own?
In some cases, your body’s immune system will fight off the virus that causes verrucas, leading them to disappear naturally over time. This process can take months or even a couple of years. During this time, the verruca can remain uncomfortable or spread further. For many people, waiting for a verruca to clear by itself is not practical, especially if it is painful or affecting daily life.
Professional verruca treatments aim to clear the infection faster and reduce the risk of it spreading or returning. They also ensure the verruca is treated safely, avoiding damage to surrounding skin.
What professional verruca removal treatments are available?
At Provide Wellbeing, our experienced podiatrists offer effective treatment options tailored to your needs:
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the verruca using liquid nitrogen or a specialist cryotherapy device. This destroys the infected tissue and stimulates an immune response to clear the virus. It can take multiple sessions to fully remove the verruca, depending on its size and depth.
SWIFT Microwave Therapy
SWIFT is an advanced verruca treatment that uses microwave energy to target and destroy the virus-infected cells. This encourages your immune system to naturally clear the infection. SWIFT treatment is quick, clean and requires no dressings or aftercare restrictions, allowing you to continue daily activities immediately after treatment.
When should you see a clinician for verruca removal?
You should seek professional advice if:
- Your verruca is painful, growing or spreading
- You have tried home treatments without success
- You have a health condition such as diabetes, reduced immunity or poor circulation
- You are feeling self-conscious or avoiding activities because of your verruca
Professional assessment ensures you get the most effective and safe treatment for your situation.
Your next step
If you are unsure whether your verruca needs removal, our friendly podiatry team at Provide Wellbeing can assess your foot and recommend the best treatment for you. With clinically proven treatments such as SWIFT microwave therapy and cryotherapy, we can help you get back to walking comfortably and living confidently.
Book a verruca consultation with Provide Wellbeing today and take the first step towards healthier, pain-free feet.
