Verruca treatment in London
If you’re dealing with a painful or persistent verruca, our HCPC-registered podiatrists provide evidence-based options to remove the lesion and reduce the chance of it returning. We treat adults and children, tailoring your plan to pain tolerance, activity level and how quickly you’d like it resolved.
What is a verruca?
Verrucae (plantar warts) are caused by strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that infect the top layer of skin, typically on weight-bearing areas of the foot. They often appear as a hard, rough patch with small black dots (thrombosed capillaries) and can hurt when you stand, walk or run.
When to seek treatment
- The lesion is painful on pressure or spreading into a “mosaic”
- You’ve tried pharmacy treatments without success
- You have diabetes, poor circulation or are immunosuppressed
- You’re active and need predictable downtime
Verruca treatment options
Conservative care & debridemen.
We reduce overlying hard skin to relieve pressure and help topical agents reach the virus-infected tissue.
Topical keratolytics
Clinical-grade salicylic acid protocols, applied in-clinic and at home, gradually break down infected tissue. Suitable for many patients and often cost-effective, though it may require several weeks.
Cryotherapy
Targeted freezing that destroys the lesion. Usually performed in a short course, with mild post-treatment soreness or blistering possible.
Verruca needling (Falknor) / Swift®
Under local anaesthetic, the lesion is debrided and needled to stimulate a strong immune response. Many people need just one primary session plus review. Swift® microwave therapy is another immuno-stimulatory option that can be appropriate for resistant lesions.
What to expect at City Foot Health
- Assessment: We confirm that it’s a verruca (not a corn or foreign body) and discuss your goals and downtime.
- Plan: We recommend the most effective option for your lesion type, medical history and budget.
- Treatment: Most methods are quick; needling is done under local anaesthetic for comfort.
- Aftercare: Simple dressing care and footwear/activity advice.
- Follow-up: We review progress and repeat/adjust if required.
Verruca Prevention & self-care
Keep feet dry, change socks daily, avoid picking, and use flip-flops in communal areas (gyms, pools). Do not share nail tools. If you’re a swimmer or runner, we’ll advise measures to limit spread and speed recovery.
Book your verruca assessment today at our City clinic near Bank/Monument.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for verrucas?
It depends on size, depth, number and your medical history. Options include salicylic acid protocols, cryotherapy and immune-stimulating treatments such as needling or Swift®. We’ll recommend the most effective route for your case.
When should I seek medical advice for a verruca?
If it’s painful, spreading, bleeding, you have diabetes/circulatory issues, or you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments without success.
Is verruca needling painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. You might feel ache or tenderness for a day or two afterwards.
How many appointments will I need?
Topicals and cryotherapy often require a short course. Needling is commonly one main treatment plus review, but stubborn mosaic lesions may need further care.
Can children be treated?
Yes. We’ll choose the gentlest effective option and explain aftercare clearly.