Verrucas are a type of wart that develop on the feet, most commonly on the soles or around the toes. Pressure from standing and walking can cause them to grow inwards rather than outwards, sometimes making them uncomfortable or painful and difficult to ignore during everyday activities.
At Empress Lasers, we provide professional verruca removal for suitable verrucas, with treatment tailored to the size, location and characteristics of the affected area. Each appointment begins with an assessment to determine suitability before treatment is carefully targeted towards the unwanted tissue.
Verrucas are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Unlike many common warts, the pressure placed on the feet during standing and walking can push a verruca deeper into the skin, often creating a flattened area of thickened or rough skin. Small dark dots may also be visible within the verruca due to tiny blood vessels in the affected tissue.
Some verrucas disappear naturally, but others can remain for months or longer and may become increasingly uncomfortable. Professional assessment allows us to examine the affected area, establish whether it is suitable for treatment and recommend an appropriate approach based on the individual verruca.
Your appointment begins with an assessment of the affected area, taking into account the verruca's size, location and appearance before treatment is recommended. Once suitability has been established, treatment is carefully focused on the affected tissue while limiting unnecessary impact on the surrounding healthy skin.
The area will then go through a natural healing process following treatment. Some temporary sensitivity, redness, crusting or changes to the treated skin can occur, particularly given the pressure the feet experience during everyday movement. Persistent verrucas may require further treatment, so your practitioner will monitor your response and provide appropriate aftercare guidance to help you look after the area between appointments.
Verrucas develop when certain strains of HPV infect the skin, often entering through tiny cuts, cracks or weakened areas on the feet. The virus can spread through direct contact and contaminated surfaces, which is why verrucas are commonly associated with communal environments where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools, changing rooms and showers.
Once established, verrucas can sometimes be stubborn. Pressure on the soles of the feet can also make them uncomfortable and change their appearance compared with warts elsewhere on the body. Avoiding picking, scratching or unnecessarily touching the area can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Professional verruca removal may be considered for:
Verrucas can be persistent and are sometimes confused with other foot conditions, so it is understandable to have questions before treatment. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions about verruca removal, treatment suitability and aftercare.
A verruca is a wart that develops on the foot and is caused by certain strains of HPV. Because body weight places pressure on the affected area, verrucas can appear flatter than warts elsewhere and may grow inwards beneath an area of thickened skin.
Both are caused by HPV, but the term verruca is generally used for warts that develop on the feet. Pressure from walking and standing can give verrucas their characteristic flattened appearance and may make them uncomfortable.
Yes. The virus responsible for verrucas can spread through direct contact and contaminated surfaces. Walking barefoot in communal wet environments, such as swimming pools and changing rooms, can increase the opportunity for transmission.
It may be possible to treat multiple suitable verrucas. Your practitioner will assess the affected areas and consider their number, size and location before recommending an appropriate treatment plan.
Some discomfort or sensitivity can occur depending on the size, depth and position of the verruca. The soles of the feet can also be sensitive because of the pressure placed on them. Your practitioner will explain what to expect before treatment.
There is no fixed number of treatments because verrucas can respond differently from person to person. Some may respond relatively quickly, while stubborn or long-standing verrucas can require additional treatment.
This will depend on the size and position of the area treated and how your skin responds. You may experience temporary tenderness or sensitivity. Your practitioner will explain any relevant aftercare and activity advice following treatment.
Ready to start your journey? Book your complimentary, no-obligation consultation today. Our practitioners will assess your skin, answer your questions, and design a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
