Verrucae: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How a Podiatrist Can Help
If you’ve ever noticed a painful spot on the bottom of your foot that feels like you’re walking on a pebble, there’s a good chance it could be a verruca.
Verrucae are one of the most common conditions we see at Stepwise. While they’re usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and surprisingly persistent. The good news is that there are a range of effective verruca treatments available, and a podiatrist can help you find the right approach for your situation.
What Is a Verruca?
A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks, often in places where feet are exposed, such as swimming pools, changing rooms, gyms, and communal showers.
Unlike warts that develop on the hands, verrucae grow into the skin because of the pressure placed on the soles of your feet when you walk and stand. This inward growth can make them particularly uncomfortable.
Common signs of a verruca include:
- A rough or thickened patch of skin on the sole of the foot
- Tiny black dots within the lesion, which are small blood vessels
- Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
- A sensation similar to having a stone stuck in your shoe
Why Do Some People Get Verrucae?
Anyone can develop a verruca, but they’re particularly common in children, teenagers, swimmers, gym users, and people whose feet are frequently exposed in communal areas.
Some people seem more prone to verrucae than others, often because of differences in their immune response. While one person may clear the virus naturally within a few months, another may struggle with the same verruca for years.
The Different Types of Verrucae
Not all verrucae look the same, which is why professional assessment can be helpful.
Solitary Verruca
This is a single verruca that develops in one area of the foot. Over time, it may gradually increase in size and become uncomfortable when walking.
Mosaic Verrucae
Mosaic verrucae are clusters of smaller verrucae that merge together to form a larger patch. They often spread across a wider area of the foot and can be more difficult to treat.
Multiple Verrucae
Some people develop several separate verrucae across one or both feet. These may appear individually but are caused by the same viral infection.
Will a Verruca Go Away on Its Own?
Sometimes, yes.
Your immune system can eventually recognise and fight off the virus responsible for the verruca. However, this process can take months or even years, and there’s no way of predicting how long it will take.
While waiting for a verruca to disappear naturally, it may become painful, spread to other areas of the foot, or increase in size. For this reason, many people choose to seek treatment sooner rather than later.
What Are the Most Effective Verruca Treatments?
There is no single treatment that works for everyone. The most suitable option depends on factors such as the size and location of the verruca, how long you’ve had it, your age, general health, and how quickly you’d like to see results.
Common treatment options include:
Salicylic Acid Treatments
Available as gels, paints, or medicated plasters, these work by gradually breaking down the infected skin. Consistency is key, and treatment often needs to continue for several weeks.
Silver Nitrate
Silver nitrate sticks are applied directly to the verruca and work by destroying infected tissue. They can be an effective option for some patients and are often used as part of a wider treatment plan.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the verruca to damage the infected tissue and stimulate the body’s immune response. Several sessions may be required depending on the severity of the lesion.
Verruca Needling
Needling is a minor podiatry procedure designed to trigger a stronger immune response to the virus. It can be particularly effective for stubborn or recurring verrucae.
Swift Microwave Therapy
Swift treatment uses controlled microwave energy to create localised heat within the verruca tissue. This stimulates the body’s immune response and can be highly effective for persistent verrucae.
Verrutop Treatment
Verrutop is a topical treatment that works by drying out and destroying infected tissue. It can be particularly useful for patients looking for a non-invasive treatment option.
Your podiatrist will discuss the benefits and suitability of each treatment to help you make an informed decision.
What Should You Do If You Have a Verruca?
There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and protect your feet.
Do:
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Cover the verruca when using communal facilities
- Wear flip-flops around swimming pools and changing rooms
- Follow any treatment plan consistently
Don’t:
- Pick, scratch, or cut the verruca
- Share towels, socks, footwear, or nail equipment
- Expect overnight results, as verruca treatment often requires patience and consistency
How Can a Podiatrist Help?
Many skin conditions can look similar to a verruca. Corns, calluses, and other skin lesions are often mistaken for verrucae, which can lead to ineffective treatment.
A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the problem, explain your treatment options, and provide access to professional treatments that aren’t available over the counter.
We can also help reduce discomfort, manage pressure on the affected area, and create a personalised treatment plan based on your lifestyle and goals.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
It’s worth booking an appointment if:
- Your verruca is painful
- It’s affecting the way you walk
- Home treatments haven’t been successful
- The verruca is spreading or multiplying
- You’re unsure whether it’s actually a verruca
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system
Seeking advice early can often make treatment simpler and more effective.
Don't Let a Verruca Hold You Back
Although verrucae are extremely common, they don’t have to be something you simply put up with. Whether you’re dealing with a painful verruca, a stubborn mosaic verruca, or recurring lesions that won’t seem to go away, professional podiatry treatment can help.
At Stepwise Footcare, we provide expert assessment and tailored treatment plans to help you get back to walking comfortably and confidently. If you’re concerned about a verruca or would like to discuss your treatment options, get in touch with our team today.
