Verrucae

A verruca is a viral infection of the outer layer of skin caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It can also be referred to as a plantar wart. They are the same as warts that appear on other parts of the body but look flatter due to their location. There may be tiny black dots within the hard build up. They can be painful, itchy and embarrassing. They can occur as a single lesion or multiple lesions. Verrucae can affect all age groups. If you are in your senior years and notice a lesion you think might be a verruca, please have it examined. It may be a more sinister type of lesion. The virus is easily picked up in environments like swimming pools, changing rooms and bathrooms.

Resolution and response to treatment depends on many variables, including age, length of time the verruca has been present, where it is on the body, and the type of HPV. Verrucae are particularly difficult to resolve with topical treatments as, unlike a wart which protrudes from the skin, verrucae are like an iceberg where only a small surface area is exposed compared to the bulk of the lesion which is beneath. HPV is very effective at hiding its presence from the body’s immune system.

Your first step is to book a consultation with one of our Podiatrists to confirm you have a Verruca and discuss which treatment is most suitable for you.