Some people find a verruca causes discomfort, especially if it’s located in a weight bearing area. However, not everyone will experience discomfort. A verruca is often more painful with lateral compression (i.e. squeezing the edges) than it is when direct pressure is applied. Regardless of pain or discomfort levels, it’s important to see a podiatrist to have the lesion properly diagnosed, because not all skin lesions are verrucas, and there are some lesions that can appear very similar to a verruca.

Verrucas are contagious, and whilst having a verruca does not necessarily mean it will spread to become many, it is important to seek treatment and advice from a podiatrist if you have one.

INITIAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are several over the counter preparations that can work well for verrucas and warts. These products usually include salycylic acid, which is applied to the top of the verruca.

Some patients are not recommended to treat a verruca, it is best to speak to a Podiatrist before you undertake any treatment, even if it is at home.

Care should be taken if you are Diabetic or Immunocompromised.

HOW DO We TREAT VERRUCAS IN OUR CLINICS?

The body’s immune system is the first line of defence against the verruca virus. If there has not been an immune response to the verruca, treatment is focused on jump-starting the body’s own immune response.

Verruca treatments vary depending on the size and location of the verruca, a person’s lifestyle and activities, their current immune status, and their ability to tolerate discomfort.

The podiatrists at our clinics use several treatments for verrucas.

In both our Merrion Foot clinic and Athlone Foot clinic we offer salaysic treatments for verrucas.

At our Priory Foot clinic in Dublin we use several treatments, which are selected based on our conversation with you.

Some treatment options include:

• Salicylic acid. This acid is applied at a higher concentration that those available over the counter. This is an effective treatment option that causes minimal discomfort.
• Silver Nitrate. This is a treatment where we apply an acid to the verruca over several weeks and the treatment is continued at home whilst under weekly review with your podiatrist.
• Swift Laser Treatment. Visit this page for further information and a video about the Swift Laser Treatment process.

Patients are provided with detailed information around what to do and what to expect in between consultations. We often provide additional padding to ensure it is comfortable to walk.

It can take time to achieve complete resolution of a verruca, and in many cases multiple visits to the podiatrist may be required, using a range of different treatment modalities. This is variable and depends on an individual’s immune status, compliance with the advice they are given, and the verruca itself.