Verrucas, also known as verrucae, are small, non-cancerous growths or warts that commonly appear on the soles of the feet, particularly on the heel or other areas subjected to pressure. These growths are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are known for their tendency to cause discomfort or pain when standing or walking.
The highly contagious nature of verrucas means they can be easily contracted in communal areas such as swimming pool floors or locker rooms, where the virus spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
While verrucas are generally harmless and may resolve on their own, they can persist for months or even years, causing significant discomfort. Therefore, seeking treatment for their removal is often the best course of action to alleviate pain and prevent their spread.
The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, making communal changing rooms and swimming pools common places for contracting verrucas. Direct contact with the virus, whether through skin-to-skin contact or walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces, can lead to infection.
Verrucas are distinguishable by their small, rough texture and may have a black dot in the centre, often referred to as a ‘seed’. They can be painful, particularly when pressure is applied directly to them. Some verrucas cluster together in a mosaic pattern, making them more challenging to treat.
To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading verrucas, always wear flip-flops or pool shoes in communal wet areas, maintain good foot hygiene, and avoid sharing towels or shoes. If you have verrucas, cover them with a waterproof plaster when swimming and do not scratch them, as this can spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people. Avoid cutting or burning a verruca since doing so increases your chance of getting an infection, hurting yourself, and spreading the wart to other places of your body.
Treating verrucas effectively requires a professional approach, especially for large or deep-rooted cases. At City Dermatology Clinic, we offer a range of safe and effective treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
For persistent verrucas that do not respond to traditional treatments, surgical removal may be the best option. This precise procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Our doctors meticulously cut out the verruca, focusing on eliminating the entire root to prevent any chance of recurrence. Once the area is numbed, our skilled surgeons carefully excise the verruca, ensuring every part of it, including its roots, is completely removed. This method is thorough and aims at a one-time resolution to avoid the verruca returning. By targeting the verruca at its root, surgical removal addresses the core of the problem, offering a definitive solution when other treatments have failed.
Electrocautery, also known as hyfrecation or laser, uses an electric current to precisely burn away the verruca. This technique is especially effective due to its dual approach: initially cutting with a surgical blade for deep access and then applying electrocautery to eradicate any remaining viral traces. Our approach begins with a surgical blade to cut through the thick skin layer, directly accessing the verruca’s root. Following this initial step, we utilise the electrocautery machine to burn off any microscopic remnants of the virus, ensuring a comprehensive removal. At City Dermatology Clinic, we prioritise treatments that offer the highest efficacy and patient satisfaction. Our combined blade and electrocautery laser method minimises the chances of verruca recurrence, aiming for complete removal in a single session. This approach saves you both time and the inconvenience of multiple treatments.
Cryotherapy involves freezing the verruca with liquid nitrogen to kill the virus. This treatment is suitable for most verrucas and can be adjusted in intensity depending on the size and depth of the wart.
We offer various chemical treatments that apply strong solutions directly to the verruca, encouraging it to peel away and promote new, healthy skin growth underneath. These treatments are to be issued following a dermatologist consultation.
Selecting the right clinic for verruca removal is crucial for achieving the best outcomes with the least discomfort. Our clinic stands out as a leading choice for several reasons, ensuring that you receive not only the highest standard of care but also a tailored treatment plan suited to your specific needs.
Expertise and Experience
All of our consultant surgeons and dermatologists in London are fully registered with the UK General Medical Council and have undergone years of training in order to be granted their privileges to practise. They also work in NHS hospitals, and many of them hold academic positions.
Advanced Treatment Options
We offer a comprehensive range of the latest treatment options, from laser therapy and cryotherapy to surgical and chemical treatments. This variety ensures that we can provide the most effective treatment plan for your particular condition.
Patient-Centred Care
We believe in a patient-centred approach to treatment. This means we take the time to understand your concerns, preferences, and lifestyle to offer a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs and ensures the best possible results.
Privacy and Comfort
Understanding the sensitive nature of verruca removal, our clinic is designed to offer a private, comfortable environment where you can feel at ease discussing and receiving treatment for your condition.
Proven Results
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of successful treatments and satisfied patients. We are dedicated to ensuring that each patient leaves our clinic with the best possible outcome, feeling more confident and comfortable. Our skin surgeons in London are well regarded and in high demand
Discover expert care and compassionate support from our leading verruca removal doctors in London, dedicated to ensuring your comfort and health with state-of-the-art treatments to ensure a smooth verruca removal experience.
Discover expert care and compassionate support from our leading verruca removal doctors in London, dedicated to ensuring your comfort and health with state-of-the-art treatments to ensure a smooth verruca removal experience.
Dr. Jana Torres-Grau
MD, PhD
MBBS, MD, MRCP
MD, PhD