Verruca
Treatments
What are verrucas?
Verrucae are benign tumours caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. There are over 100 known types, the most common that appear on the hands and feet are subtypes 1,2 and 4. They are entirely harmless but can be persistent, unsightly and painful. Most people will have tried various over the counter remedies without success before they come to see us.
What is the most effective treatment for verrucas?
We believe in offering the most appropriate and proven treatments for verrucas. Depending on the
outcome of your assessment, your Podiatrist may recommend one of these options:
Salicylic and monochloroacetic acid
A course of acid applied at weekly intervals for 6 weeks. Success rates are around 50-60% after 6 weeks. This approach is not suitable for those with diabetes or impaired circulation.
Falknor’s needling
This is a course of 1-2 sessions. The verruca and surrounding skin is anaesthetised and a sterile needle is inserted multiple times into the skin. The action of puncturing the skin, pushing the virus into the deeper tissues, triggers an immune response by the body thereby fighting the verruca virus. Success rates are about 60-70%. A superficial wound is created with this procedure but discomfort tends to be minimal. We would generally suggest resting for the remainder of the day and you would need to arrange for someone to drive you home following your appointment.
Swift microwave Therapy
This is cutting edge technology that offers the highest success rates of around 75%. A course of 3-5 sessions are completed over a period of 6-8 months. The treatment is quick and convenient. There are no wounds produced so you can carry on with your day. Swift is a very safe form of treatment and is suitable for the vast majority of people.
Natural resolution
Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all! Many children develop verrucas and although they can be a nuisance, it may be best to allow the immune system time to react to the virus and cure the verruca naturally. It is not unusual for this to take up to 2 years. In the meantime, we can give you advice about how to help keep your child comfortable.
What is the most effective treatment for verrucas?
We believe in offering the most appropriate and proven treatments for verrucas. Depending on the
outcome of your assessment, your Podiatrist may recommend one of these options:
Salicylic and monochloroacetic acid
A course of acid applied at weekly intervals for 6 weeks. Success rates are around 50-60% after 6 weeks. This approach is not suitable for those with diabetes or impaired circulation.
Falknor’s needling
This is a course of 1-2 sessions. The verruca and surrounding skin is anaesthetised and a sterile needle is inserted multiple times into the skin. The action of puncturing the skin, pushing the virus into the deeper tissues, triggers an immune response by the body thereby fighting the verruca virus. Success rates are about 60-70%. A superficial wound is created with this procedure but discomfort tends to be minimal. We would generally suggest resting for the remainder of the day and you would need to arrange for someone to drive you home following your appointment.
Swift microwave Therapy
This is cutting edge technology that offers the highest success rates of around 75%. A course of 3-5 sessions are completed over a period of 6-8 months. The treatment is quick and convenient. There are no wounds produced so you can carry on with your day. Swift is a very safe form of treatment and is suitable for the vast majority of people.
Natural resolution
Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all! Many children develop verrucas and although they can be a nuisance, it may be best to allow the immune system time to react to the virus and cure the verruca naturally. It is not unusual for this to take up to 2 years. In the meantime, we can give you advice about how to help keep your child comfortable.
INSURANCE
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