Verrucas (also called verrucae) are warts that occur on the soles of the feet or around the toe area and are a common occurrence in children but can also occur frequently in adult feet.

They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is highly contagious through direct contact, so we advise people to avoid touching the area as they can develop into a cluster of verrucae. The virus is also thought to thrive in damp environments such as swimming pools and changing room floors. It is possible to contract verrucae simply by walking across the same floor area as someone with a verruca.

Some people are more susceptible than others thought most build immunity to the virus with age. The most common appearance is that of a small cauliflower type growth on the soles of the feet with tiny black dots. Though harmless, if left untreated, verrucae have the potential to cause pain when walking.

pod marlow verruca

Treatment

Treatment consists of cryotherapy and debridement of the affected tissue. The infected tissue of the foot is sprayed with a freezing agent to damage and destroy the infected cells. A course of treatment is often necessary to treat and eliminate the virus. This treatment is not always advised for young children as it can be uncomfortable, other treatments and advice are available in this situation.

Introducing SWIFT® our new verruca treatment service

Swift is a new technology, developed in the UK, which has been licenced for the general treatment of skin lesions in Podiatry and Dermatology. Swift uses microwave energy which is delivered through a special probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue.

Infected tissue can exist several millimetres below the surface and can often be difficult to treat using traditional methods, resulting in either untreated tissue or significant damage.

Swift delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy – quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined depth.
In just seconds the treatment is complete, leaving the body to absorb and replace the treated tissue.

Benefits of the New Swift Treatment:

  • Fast and effective
  • Suitable for children aged 8 and upwards
  • No anaesthetic required
  • Minor discomfort similar to a prick or scratch lasting 2 – 3 seconds
  • No downtime – just a little tenderness afterwards

Our podiatrists will carry out an assessment prior to treatment to confirm if this treatment is suitable for you or to suggest an alternative.