Singular – Verruca
Plural – Verrucae
“Verruca Pedis” are areas of viral infection on your skin. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that causes Verrucae also causes other common warts, so we often refer to them as Plantar Warts.
There are many types of HPV virus and likewise Verrucae come in all shapes and sizes.
How can I tell if I have a Verruca?
Verrucae rarely hurt to press unless they are very big;
However they will usually hurt if squeezed gently;
The surface of the Verruca is often rough like a cauliflower;
You may see black areas within the Verrucae. These are small blood vessels.
What should I do?
You can treat the lesions at home using an over the counter preparation such as Bazooka or Cuplex.
Treatments are available through the Podiatrist.
Treatments available:
Cryosurgery. This is proven and popular treatment for Verrucae using liquid nitrogen or equivalent to freeze the infected area. It generally has a good success rate. Over a course of treatment at a frequency of every 2-3 weeks the Verrucae slowly resolve. Sometimes it is unsuitable for some patients such as young children or elderly.
Caustics. Podiatrists have a range of chemicals available to them including acid preparations. These caustic agents are applied to the Verrucae by the Podiatrist over a course of treatment at a frequency of once or twice a week.
Homeopathic. Also available is an alternative approach using homeopathic remedies.
Some important points to note:
Not all Verrucae will respond to treatment.
It is often the case that there is not a ‘best treatment’ and different treatments may have to be used.