WARTS / VERRUCAE
What are verrucae?
A verruca is just another name for a wart on the sole of the foot, this can also be called a plantar wart. The plural is verrucae. Warts are areas of skin cells that have been invaded by a virus. This is considered a benign (not serious or harmful) condition. Most warts will self resolve in time and may not need any treatment, however, this can take up to ten years in adults.
In most cases we advise patients to ‘wait it out’ ; most verrucae will self resolve, and no treatment is guaranteed to work. However, some people prefer to proceed with a treatment. For example, if the verruca is in a tender or painful area, or is catching on hosiery, or is simply causing embarrassment.
What are the treatment options?
After many years of using all the treatment options available, and using my clinical knowledge and current research, I have settled on three different treatment options for verrucae and warts. The reasons are based on a mix of clinical effectiveness, success rate, mitigation of pain or discomfort to the patient, cost to patient and convenience to patient. Therefore, I currently offer Plasma Sublimation (Vaporisation) as the main treatment option for adults and most older children. For younger or nervous children we offer Desiccation (drying out), and occlusive taping for comfort. It is recommended that you read more about these treatments in the sections below before attending clinic.
Your first step is to book a new patient appointment. Appointments are bespoke to your foot health needs so during this appointment slot we will discuss the treatment options and we can even start the first treatment during this appointment if you have read the treatment information, want to proceed with treatment, and time allowing.
Once you have started on your treatment plan you will require follow on treatments.
Every two weeks for Verrutop Dessication, and every month for Plasma Sublimation.
More about Plasma Sublimation
What is Plasma Sublimination?
Plasma is delivered to the wart using a sterile micro-probe, the wart tissue is then sublimated or vaporised. Immediate vaporisation of the tissue means that heat does not spread to surrounding tissue, with the result that this treatment is rarely felt by the patient. In addition, the plasma cauterises any bleeds so dressings are not usually needed. The treated area will turn brown or black immediately. This will flake and slough off as part of the healing process over the subsequent 7-10 days. The healing process will naturally encourage cell regeneration and rebuilding of collage fibres and fibroblasts.
Here at Salisbury Courtyard Clinic I have invested in the new Plasma Sublimation Treatment for verrucae (warts). The Plasma Technology used in clinic is a medical grade device, not a home use or beauty device. The medical grade technology ensures a consistent and precise delivery of a stable plasma arc, guaranteeing precision treatment. The client will rarely feel anything, but for those who do experience mild discomfort during treatment, this ceases immediately the treatment stops. The client does not require anaesthetic, dressings, or experience post treatment discomfort.
How many treatments will I need?
This is a course of treatments rather than a one off treatment. Small new verrucae may only require a few treatments whereas larger and more established lesions will require multiple treatments. There is no maximum limit, if the treatment is working you can continue to have appointments. Photos are taken at each appointment so we can chart your progress, and if the area is not showing any improvement then the podiatrist will advise you to stop.
How often will I need to attend?
Patients only need to attend clinic for treatment every four weeks, making this a great time saver for busy people, compared to the weekly or fortnightly attendance required by some other treatment methods.
What self care / aftercare is involved?
None needed, making this a preferred option for those with limited time for self care.
Who is suitable for treatment?
Most people over the age of 10 would be suitable for treatment using the Plasma method, however absolute contraindications would include: keloid scars, epilepsy, auto-immune issues, HIV, AIDS, lupus, erythematosus or porphyria.
Possible contraindications would include: skin cancer, other forms of cancer, and diabetes. Treatment may be possible after consultation, please contact the podiatrist for further information on sirene@salisburycourtyard.co.uk
How much does it cost?
Please see the fees page on the website for the current prices.
More about Verrutop Dessication
What is Dessication?
Verrutop has been designed to dry out the skin cells containing the wart by application of a specialised acids and salts compound.
How many treatments will I need?
Generally a treatment cycle is 6 appointments, at two week intervals, and a review appointment 5 months later. The treatment cycle can be repeated if necessary.
What self care / aftercare is involved?
Dressings may be required. Patients will be required to apply surgical spirit to the area daily between treatment appointments and for up to 4 weeks after your last appointment. Potentially for up to 4 months. Dressings may be required to offload high pressure areas.
Who is suitable for treatment?
We generally recommend this treatment for children over the age of six. This is not a suitable treatment for: swimmers and water sports enthusiasts; under 6 years of age; pregnant or breastfeeding; who have arteriopathy (diseases of the arteries); who have peripheral neuropathies (nerve damage or loss of sensation); who are currently using other verrucae or wart treatments; who have any known allergies to any of the ingredients (nitric acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, zinc and copper salts).
How much does it cost?
Please see the fees page on the website for the current prices.
More about Occlusive Taping
Occlusive Taping used to be called the ‘duct tape method’, however, nowadays we do not recommend people use duct tape on their skin because it is not designed for use on human skin and may cause a rash or allergic reaction. Although there is conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of the occlusive tape in the treatment of cutaneous warts, it might still be well worth trying, especially in young children, children who have a painful wart but who are too nervous, or reluctant to have other treatment.
This is a cycle of filing, soaking and covering the wart, however, it needs to be done properly and we can supply you with a kit, written instructions and can demonstrate in clinic the taping method that has the best results. This can be carried out for 4 to 8 weeks at home and no further clinic appointments are needed, however we are happy to review progress if you would find that helpful.
