Home Available TreatmentsVerrucae: Understanding and Treatment Options

Verrucae: Understanding and Treatment Options



What are verrucae?

  • Verrucae are harmless skin growths on the feet, also known as plantar warts.
  • They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • The sole of the foot is thick, and pressure from walking can push verrucae inward, making them harder to treat and sometimes painful.

Do I need treatment?

  • Verrucae often disappear on their own within two years.
  • If the verruca isn’t painful or bothersome, treatment may not be necessary.
  • If it’s painful or persistent, or you’d prefer to have it removed, we offer several treatment options.

Treatment at A&A Podiatrists

We focus on safe, effective treatments tailored to your individual case. Most require multiple appointments, and no single treatment works for everyone. Here’s an overview of what we offer:

  • Swift Microwave Therapy: Our primary treatment for verrucae is Swift, which uses low-dose microwave energy to stimulate your immune system to clear the virus. Each area (around 5mm in size) receives five short pulses lasting two seconds, and the total application typically takes less than 35 seconds per site. The treatment is briefly painful during delivery, but there is no pain afterwards, no need to keep the area dry, and no dressings are required. Swift is ideal for patients who swim, shower or bathe daily, or lead an active lifestyle — there’s no disruption to walking, sports or footwear. It’s also a practical option for busy people or families, as it requires just three quick appointments spaced a month apart, with no aftercare, dressings or downtime. If you’re planning a holiday or prefer not to manage wounds or repeat visits, Swift offers a clean, efficient alternative to traditional treatments. More about Swift
  • Salicylic Acid: A tried-and-trusted method with a high tolerance rate, especially for children. We use a high-strength 60% formula (vs 26% in pharmacy brands). It is applied and left on and dry for 2–4 days. After 2 weeks the scab is removed in clinic and treatment repeated. Requires 4-6+ treatments.
  • Verrutop: A painless drying agent containing nitrizinc compound that dries the verruca. Often needs 4-6+ sessions. No aftercare required and no pain (occasional brief sting).
  • Cryofreeze: Freezing treatment using nitrous oxide at -91°C. Best suited to single verrucae or warts on non-weight-bearing areas. Usually 3 sessions, one month apart.
  • Dry Needling: Surgical-style treatment under local anaesthetic. Uses a sterile needle to stimulate immune response. Typically 2 sessions spaced several months apart.
  • Other Acids: In select cases, we may use monochloracetic acid, pyrogallol, or silver nitrate.
  • No Treatment: Sometimes a consultation is enough to assess and monitor. If your verruca is resolving or very small, we may recommend watchful waiting.

Important Note: No verruca treatment is 100% guaranteed. We’ll discuss the most suitable option during your appointment, factoring in lifestyle, job, health, verruca type, and your preferences.

Costs

  • Initial Consultation: £80 (payment required at booking)
  • Follow-Up Appointments: from £40 (10 mins), £70 (30 mins)
  • Swift: costs £150 per treatment (three required) or a package of three for £400.
  • Cryopen: charges apply for nitrous oxide cartridge  (£40)
  • All follow-up appointments are chargeable, even if no treatment is required.
  • Verrutop: charges apply for Verrutop ampule (£15)
  • Swift Conversion Offer: Existing patients who’ve had other verruca treatments with us for the same verruca may be eligible for a discounted Swift package (e.g. £300 for 3 treatments, 3rd session £60).
  • We aim for simple, transparent pricing.

Other Treatment Options

In specific cases, we may refer you for alternative treatments:

  • Cryotherapy with Liquid Nitrogen: Colder and sometimes more aggressive than standard freezing. Can lead to blistering.
  • Surgical Excision: Rarely required. Physical removal of the verruca under anaesthetic often with a laser.
  • Dermatology:  We already offer Swift treatment, which is typically the most effective first-line option. Until a course is completed, dermatology offers little beyond liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or surgical excision. Treatments like bleomycin or immunotherapy injections are rarely used in the UK.

We’re here to help!

During your appointment, we will:

  • Thoroughly assess your verrucae
  • Explain your treatment options
  • Create a personalised plan together
  • We look forward to working with you to find the best solution!

We are a private podiatry clinic and do not offer NHS or free-of-charge services. A consultation charge applies whether treatment is carried out or not. We are also able to provide a range of options to suit you and your verruca/wart if needed rather than have protocols enforced upon us.