VERUCCA THERAPIES

VIRAL WARTS / VERRUCA

There are a number of human papilloma viruses (HPVs) which cause different clinical features and infect different body sites. Generally warts affect children of school age usually contracted in communal areas, barefoot environment of school changing rooms as well as being the first time that the body has encountered the pathogen. In adults who have recently taken up sport and uses communal changing rooms may also develop verrucae. 

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Clinical features include rough cauliflower-like surface with sometimes black dots of thromboses capillaries and can be painful on weight bearing areas. Although most plantar warts will spontaneously disappear without treatment, many patients seek treatment for a variety of reasons including discomfort or because they are prevented from doing sports and other activities for daily living.

 

A podiatrist can play a key role in treating verrucas (plantar warts) effectively. Here's how they can help:

1. Diagnosis: A podiatrist will confirm whether the lesion is indeed a verruca or another type of skin condition, such as a corn or callus.

2. Cryotherapy: Podiatrists often use cryotherapy, which involves freezing the verruca with liquid nitrogen to destroy the infected tissue. This is a common and effective treatment, though it may require multiple sessions.

3. Salicylic Acid Treatments: They may apply stronger concentrations of salicylic acid (a keratolytic) than what is available over-the-counter. This helps dissolve the verruca by peeling away the dead skin over time.

4. Laser Therapy: Some podiatrists offer laser treatment to target the blood vessels feeding the verruca, causing it to shrink and disappear over time.

5. Electrosurgery: In more stubborn cases, podiatrists may use minor surgical techniques to remove the verruca. Electrosurgery involves cutting or scraping out the wart under local anesthesia.

6. Dry Needling: This involves puncturing the verruca multiple times to trigger an immune response from the body to fight off the virus causing the wart.

7. Advice on Home Care: Podiatrists can also advise on home care, such as proper foot hygiene, protective coverings, or the use of over-the-counter treatments to complement in-office procedures.

8. Orthotic Support: If verrucas are caused by pressure or friction, a podiatrist might recommend orthotic devices to relieve pressure on the affected area.

By assessing the severity of the verruca and tailoring the treatment to individual needs, podiatrists help ensure a quicker, more effective recovery.