Verruca Treatments
Verrucae are common skin lesions caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Some disappear naturally, while others can remain for months or even years and may become painful or start to spread. At ChilternWellbeing Foot & Ankle Clinic, we offer three different treatments for stubborn verrucae: Swift Microwave Therapy, Verrutop and Falknor’s Needling. Your podiatrist will assess your verruca first and talk you through the most suitable option based on how long it has been there, its size and location, previous treatments and your individual needs.
How do I know if I have a verruca?
Common symptoms and signs of a verruca include: - A small, rough or grainy growth on the sole of the foot or toes. - Tiny black dots within the lesion. These are small blood vessels rather than “roots.” - Hard or thickened skin over or around the verruca, particularly on weight-bearing areas. - Disruption of the normal skin lines — unlike a corn or callus, the natural lines of the skin usually do not continue through a verruca. - Pain or tenderness, particularly when standing, walking or squeezing the lesion from the sides. - A single verruca or a group of smaller verrucae clustered together, sometimes called mosaic verrucae. - Changes in size or spread to other areas of the foot. - Sometimes no symptoms at all — some verrucae are painless and are noticed only because of their appearance.
SWIFT Microwave Therapy
Swift Microwave Therapy is an advanced treatment for stubborn and persistent verrucae. Swift uses precisely controlled microwave energy, delivered directly into the verruca through a small handheld probe. The treatment rapidly heats the affected tissue for just a few seconds, creating a controlled response that helps your immune system recognise and fight the HPV-infected cells. Unlike some traditional verruca treatments, Swift does not involve cutting, freezing or applying acids to the skin. There is usually no wound or dressing afterwards, meaning you can normally walk out of the clinic and continue with your day. Swift can be particularly useful for long-standing verrucae, multiple verrucae or those that have not responded to previous treatments. Treatment is carried out by our experienced podiatrists at ChilternWellbeing Foot & Ankle Clinic. The number of sessions required varies from person to person, and your podiatrist will assess your verruca and discuss the recommended treatment plan with you.
Faulknor's Needling
Falknor’s Needling is a treatment used for stubborn or long-standing verrucae that have not responded to other treatments. The area is first completely numbed using a local anaesthetic. A sterile needle is then used to puncture the verruca multiple times, pushing viral material from the superficial layers of the skin into the deeper tissues. The aim is to stimulate the body’s own immune system. By exposing the HPV virus to the immune system in this way, the body may begin to recognise the virus and mount an immune response against it. An interesting benefit of Falknor’s Needling is that only one verruca may need to be treated. Because the treatment aims to create an immune response rather than simply destroy the individual lesion, other verrucae elsewhere on the foot may also respond. The procedure is carried out by our experienced podiatrists under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel the needling itself. Your podiatrist will explain the procedure, aftercare and what to expect during healing before treatment begins.
Verrutop Chemical Treatments
Verrutop is a professional topical treatment used for verrucae and warts. It is a useful option for patients looking for a non-surgical treatment, particularly when a verruca has not responded to over-the-counter remedies. Verrutop contains a Nitrizinc Complex, which is carefully applied directly to the verruca by your podiatrist. It works by causing controlled dehydration of the affected tissue, helping the verruca gradually break down while leaving the surrounding healthy skin protected. Treatment is quick and does not require local anaesthetic, injections or cutting. You can normally continue with your usual activities afterwards. Depending on the size, location and duration of your verruca, several applications may be required. Your podiatrist will assess the area, monitor your progress and advise you on the recommended course of treatment. Verrutop can be used for both individual and multiple verrucae . This is primarily used for treating verrucae in children.
What to expect
- A friendly welcome and complete medical history review.
- Clinical assessment and clear explanation of findings.
- Treatment delivered with your consent at every step.
- A personalised plan including follow-up and prevention.