Understanding verrucas
A verruca is a wart on the foot caused by a viral infection of the skin. Pressure from walking pushes it inwards, which is why it can be painful and why it looks flatter than warts elsewhere.
Many verrucas resolve on their own as the immune system recognises the virus, but this can take a long time, and some persist for years.
Signs you might notice
- A rough, grainy area of skin on the sole
- Tiny dark dots within the lesion
- Pain when squeezed from the sides
- Discomfort when walking if it sits on a pressure point
- Spreading into clusters over time
Common contributing factors
- Viral infection acquired in communal wet areas
- Skin that is broken or softened by moisture
- Reduced local immune response
- Direct contact with the virus
- Pressure areas where the skin is under load
How we assess and treat it
We confirm it is a verruca rather than a corn, since the two are frequently confused and need entirely different treatment. We then discuss the realistic options based on how long it has been present and how much it bothers you.
We are straightforward about the fact that no verruca treatment succeeds every time, and about how many sessions a given approach usually takes.
- Accurate diagnosis, distinguishing verruca from corn
- Debridement to reduce bulk and discomfort
- Advanced treatment approaches for persistent lesions
- Offloading where it sits on a pressure point
- Honest discussion of expected timescales
Common questions
Will it go away on its own?
Many do eventually, as the immune system clears the virus, but that can take months or years. Treatment is worth considering when it is painful or spreading.
Is it a verruca or a corn?
A useful clue is that verrucas hurt when pinched from the sides while corns hurt with direct pressure. We confirm it properly, since treating a corn as a verruca gets nowhere.
Can I pass it to my family?
It is possible, so avoid sharing towels and consider covering it around swimming pools and communal showers.