Children's Verruca Treatment

Expert Assessment & Treatment for Verrucas in Children

Does Your Child Have A Verruca?

Verrucas are one of the most common foot conditions seen in children.

Whilst many are harmless and disappear naturally over time, others can become painful, spread to other areas of the foot or affect a child's confidence during activities such as swimming, PE lessons and sport.

Many parents wonder whether a verruca should simply be left alone or whether treatment would help.

At Callen Olive, we understand that every child—and every verruca—is different. Our child-friendly assessments help parents understand the options available, provide reassurance where appropriate and recommend treatment only when it's likely to benefit your child.

At A Glance

Your child may benefit from an assessment if they have:

• A painful verruca
• Multiple verrucae
• A spreading verruca
• Pain during walking or sport
• A verruca affecting swimming or activities
• A verruca that's been present for many months
• Previous treatments that haven't worked
• A skin lesion you're unsure about

What Is A Verruca?

A verruca is a viral skin infection caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

The virus enters the skin through tiny breaks in the surface and most commonly develops on the soles of the feet.

Because verrucae occur on weight-bearing areas, the pressure of standing and walking often pushes them inwards rather than allowing them to grow outwards like a wart on the hand.

They commonly appear as:

• Rough patches of skin
• Thickened areas of skin
• Circular lesions
• Small black dots within the lesion
• Painful areas on the sole of the foot

Some children develop a single verruca, whilst others develop several.

Are Verrucas Common In Children?

Yes.

Children and teenagers develop verrucae more frequently than adults because their immune systems are still learning to recognise and fight the virus.

Many children will develop at least one verruca during childhood.

The reassuring news is that many verrucae disappear naturally as the immune system eventually clears the infection.

Do All Verrucas Need Treatment?

No.

This is one of the most important things we explain to parents.

If a verruca isn't causing pain, spreading or affecting your child's daily life, it may simply be monitored.

Treatment is usually considered when a verruca is:

• Painful
• Spreading
• Present for a long time
• Affecting sport
• Affecting swimming
• Affecting confidence
• Not responding to previous treatment

Our role is to help you make an informed decision based on your child's individual circumstances.

How Can Verrucas Affect Children?

Whilst many children experience little discomfort, others may develop:

• Pain when walking
• Pain during sport
• Tenderness when standing
• Reluctance to go barefoot
• Embarrassment during swimming lessons
• Worry about spreading the verruca
• Reduced confidence

Sometimes the biggest impact isn't physical—it's the effect the verruca has on a child's confidence and participation in everyday activities.

How Do Children Catch Verrucas?

HPV thrives in warm, damp environments.

Children are commonly exposed to the virus in:

• Swimming pools
• Changing rooms
• Communal showers
• Sports centres
• Gymnastics facilities
• Dance studios

However, not every child exposed to the virus develops a verruca.

Their immune response plays an important role in whether the infection develops or clears naturally.

Your Child's Assessment

Every assessment begins by understanding how the verruca is affecting your child.

We'll assess:

• The size of the verruca
• Its location
• The number of lesions present
• Pain levels
• Previous treatments
• Sporting activities
• Swimming and lifestyle
• Your concerns as a parent

This allows us to recommend the most appropriate management plan for your child.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your child's age, symptoms and the characteristics of the verruca.

Options may include:

• Monitoring and reassurance
• Foot health advice
• Routine podiatry care
• SWIFT Microwave Therapy
• Verruca Needling (for selected older teenagers and appropriate cases)

Every recommendation is tailored to your child's individual needs.

SWIFT Microwave Therapy

For children with painful, persistent or spreading verrucae, SWIFT Microwave Therapy may be recommended.

Unlike traditional treatments that destroy the skin, SWIFT works by stimulating the body's own immune system to recognise and fight the HPV virus.

Benefits include:

• No acids
• No dressings
• No daily treatment at home
• Minimal interruption to normal activities
• Suitable for many children and teenagers
• Approximately 86% success rate

During your child's assessment, we'll explain whether SWIFT is the most appropriate treatment option.

A Child-Friendly Approach

We understand that some children feel anxious about appointments.

Our team takes time to explain everything in an age-appropriate way, helping children feel relaxed, involved and reassured throughout their visit.

Creating a positive experience is just as important to us as providing excellent clinical care.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

We recommend arranging an assessment if:

• The verruca is painful.
• It has been present for many months.
• It is spreading.
• Multiple verrucae are present.
• Previous treatments haven't worked.
• Your child is avoiding sport or swimming.
• You're unsure whether the lesion is actually a verruca.

Early assessment gives you a clear diagnosis and helps you understand the most appropriate treatment options.

Pricing

Every child is different, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to their individual needs.

Following your child's assessment, your podiatrist will explain the findings and discuss the treatment options available.

Children's New Patient Verruca Consultation – £100

Foot Health Follow-up Consultation – £90

If you're unsure which appointment is most appropriate, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Call us on 0333 305 8347.

Why Patients Choose Callen Olive

Your feet deserve more than treatment.

At Callen Olive, we believe exceptional podiatry is about far more than relieving pain.

It's about understanding how your feet affect your comfort, confidence and the way you move through life.

Every person who walks through our doors has different goals, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and ambitions.

Because no two people — or feet — are the same.

Expert Care. Personally Delivered.

We combine specialist clinical expertise, advanced technology and genuinely personalised care to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

From your first appointment, you'll understand what's causing your symptoms, the treatment options available and how we'll support you every step of the way.

Why Patients Trust Callen Olive

• Specialist podiatry team
• Personalised treatment plans
• Advanced technology
• Evidence-based care
• Award-winning patient experience
• Trusted by thousands of patients every year

More Than A Podiatry Appointment

Exceptional care isn't just about clinical expertise.

It's about feeling listened to, understood and supported from the moment you arrive until long after your treatment has finished.

Because that's what great care should feel like.

We Care.

It's more than our promise.

It's how we listen, how we explain, how we treat and how we support every patient who places their trust in us.

Because helping you move with comfort, confidence and ease is why Callen Olive exists.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Related Conditions

• Verrucae
• Children's Heel Pain
• Ingrown Toenails in Children
• Foot Pain

Related Treatments

• SWIFT Verruca Treatment
• Verruca Needling
• Children's Foot Health Assessment
• Foot Health Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Are verrucae common in children?

Yes. Verrucae are very common in children and teenagers because their immune systems are still developing.

Will my child's verruca disappear on its own?

Many verrucae do clear naturally as the immune system recognises the virus. However, some can persist for months or even years.

Does every verruca need treatment?

No. If a verruca isn't causing pain or affecting your child's activities, monitoring may be the most appropriate option.

Is SWIFT suitable for children?

Yes. SWIFT is suitable for many children and teenagers and is often recommended for painful, persistent or spreading verrucae.

Can my child still go swimming?

Yes. Having a verruca doesn't usually prevent children from swimming, although individual schools and leisure centres may have their own guidance.

Are verrucae contagious?

The HPV virus can spread through direct contact, particularly in warm, damp environments such as swimming pools and changing rooms, although not everyone exposed to the virus develops a verruca.

What if we're not sure it's a verruca?

That's exactly what an assessment is for. We'll examine the lesion, confirm whether it's a verruca and discuss whether any treatment is needed.

Helping Children Stay Active & Confident

Whether your child has recently developed a verruca or has been struggling with one for some time, we're here to help.

Our experienced podiatrists provide child-friendly assessments, clear advice and personalised treatment recommendations to help your child stay comfortable, active and confident.

Book your child's verruca assessment today.