Verrucae, or plantar warts, are a common foot condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These small, rough growths develop on the soles of the feet, typically causing discomfort and, in some cases, pain when walking. Though verruca are not usually dangerous, they can be both unsightly and uncomfortable, especially when they form on weight-bearing areas of the foot.
At Advanced Medical Podiatry in Glasgow, Thornliebank, we specialize in diagnosing and treating verruca using advanced treatment options like Swift Therapy and verruca needling. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the causes of verruca, available treatment options, and tips for preventing them in the future.
What is a Verruca?
A verruca is a type of wart caused by infection with HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Once the virus is in the skin, it causes a small, grainy lump to form, often with black dots in the centre (clotted blood vessels). These growths typically appear on the soles of the feet, where body weight forces them to grow inward, causing pressure and discomfort. Verruca can appear singly or in clusters and are often confused with corns or calluses.
Common Causes of Verruca
Verruca are contagious and spread through direct contact with HPV. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making communal spaces such as public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools common places to contract a verruca. Here are some of the key factors contributing to the spread of verruca:
Walking Barefoot in Public Areas: Communal showers and pools are high-risk areas for contracting HPV.
Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system can make you more susceptible to viral infections, including verruca.
Injury or Skin Breaks: Tiny cuts or abrasions on the feet can create entry points for the HPV virus.
Direct Contact with Infected Surfaces: Verruca can spread through indirect contact with surfaces or personal items contaminated with the virus.
At Advanced Medical Podiatry in Thornliebank, Glasgow, we frequently treat patients who have contracted verruca in communal environments. Practicing good foot hygiene and wearing protective footwear can help reduce the risk of infection.
Symptoms of Verruca
Recognizing the signs of a verruca can help you seek treatment early. Common symptoms include:
Small, Rough Growths on the Soles of the Feet: Verrucae often appear as grainy, rough lumps that may have a slightly raised appearance.
Black Dots in the Center: These tiny dots are clotted blood vessels, a common characteristic of verrucae.
Pain or Discomfort When Walking: Verrucae located on pressure points of the foot, such as the heel or ball, can cause pain when walking or standing.
Thickened Skin: The skin surrounding the verruca may become thickened or callused due to pressure.
Treatment Options for Verruca at Advanced Medical Podiatry
At Advanced Medical Podiatry in Glasgow, Thornliebank, we offer the most advanced and effective treatments for verrucae: Swift Therapy and verruca needling. These treatments target the root of the infection, helping you get rid of verrucae more effectively than traditional methods.
1. Swift Therapy. Swift Therapy is an innovative and highly effective treatment for verrucae that uses microwave technology to target the virus. The microwaves heat the infected tissue, stimulating the body’s immune response to fight off the infection. Swift Therapy is quick, typically requiring just a few short sessions, and has minimal downtime. Patients often experience little to no discomfort after treatment, making it an excellent option for stubborn verrucae.
Key benefits of Swift Therapy include:
Non-invasive and painless treatment
Requires fewer sessions compared to other methods
No need for injections or anaesthesia
Minimal recovery time
At Advanced Medical Podiatry, Swift Therapy has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for stubborn verrucae, helping our patients achieve quick and lasting results.
2. Verruca Needling. Another highly effective treatment for verrucae is verruca needling. This procedure involves using a sterile needle to puncture the verruca multiple times, encouraging the body’s immune system to recognize and attack the virus. Needling is particularly useful for persistent verrucae that have not responded to other treatments.
Verruca needling is typically performed under local anaesthesia to minimize discomfort. It is a quick procedure, and most patients experience little downtime. In some cases, just one session is enough to trigger the body’s immune response, though follow-up treatments may be required for more severe verrucae.
The benefits of verruca needling include:
Stimulating the body’s natural immune response
Ideal for stubborn or recurring verrucae
Minimally invasive with a short recovery period
Prevention Tips for Verrucae
While treatment is available, it’s always better to prevent verrucae from developing in the first place. Here are some tips to help protect your feet from HPV and reduce your risk of infection:
Wear Protective Footwear in Public Spaces: Always wear flip-flops or sandals in communal areas such as showers, locker rooms, and pools to avoid direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Keep Feet Clean and Dry: Practicing good foot hygiene is essential. Wash your feet regularly, dry them thoroughly, and change socks daily, especially after exercise.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Don’t share towels, shoes, or socks with others, as verrucae can spread through contaminated items.
Treat Cuts and Scratches Promptly: Keep any cuts or abrasions on your feet clean and covered to prevent the virus from entering.
Boost Your Immune System: A strong immune system can help your body fight off viral infections like verrucas. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress can all help support your immune health.
Why Choose Advanced Medical Podiatry in Thornliebank, Glasgow?
At Advanced Medical Podiatry, we pride ourselves on providing cutting-edge treatments for verrucas. Located in Thornliebank, Glasgow, our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including Swift Therapy and verruca needling, to help our patients achieve quick and effective relief from verrucas.
Our experienced podiatrists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether you’ve been dealing with a stubborn verruca for years or have recently noticed a new one, we’re here to help you get back on your feet.
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