Verruca Treatment

Painful or stubborn verruca? We'll help you find the right treatment.

Whether your verruca has recently appeared, has become painful or you've already tried treatments without success, our experienced podiatrists provide expert assessment and personalised treatment to help improve comfort and support your body's natural healing process.

We'll help you understand your options and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

Book your Verruca Consultation today.

Could this be a verruca?

Verrucas are one of the most common skin conditions affecting the feet.

Although some cause no symptoms at all, others can become painful and affect walking, exercise and everyday life.

Common signs include:

• A rough area of thickened skin

• Small black dots within the lesion

• Pain when walking or standing

• Tenderness when squeezed from the sides

• Feeling like you're walking on a pebble

• One verruca or several developing together

• Discomfort during sport and exercise

If you're unsure whether it's a verruca, our clinicians can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

What is a verruca?

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

The virus infects the outer layers of the skin, causing an area of thickened tissue to develop. Verrucas most commonly appear on the soles of the feet but can occur anywhere on the foot.

Some verrucas remain painless, while others become uncomfortable due to pressure from standing, walking or sporting activities.

Although some verrucas disappear naturally, others can persist for months or even years without treatment.

Why have I developed a verruca?

Verrucas develop when HPV enters the skin through tiny breaks or areas of damage.

The virus thrives in warm, moist environments, although many people never know exactly where they caught it.

Common risk factors include:

• Swimming pools

• Communal changing rooms

• Shared shower facilities

• Excessively sweaty feet

• Minor skin damage

• A reduced immune response

Anyone can develop a verruca, regardless of age.

How we can help

Not every verruca requires treatment.

Some disappear naturally, while others become painful, spread or simply refuse to go away.

Following a thorough assessment, we'll discuss the most appropriate treatment based on:

• Your symptoms

• The size and location of the verruca

• How long it has been present

• Previous treatments you've tried

• Whether there are multiple verrucas

• Your lifestyle and treatment goals

Swift Verruca Treatment

Swift is one of the most advanced treatments currently available for stubborn verrucas.

Using microwave technology, Swift delivers a precise dose of energy into the affected tissue. Rather than destroying the skin, it is designed to stimulate your body's own immune response to recognise and fight the virus.

Benefits of Swift include:

• No dressings required

• No acids or home treatments

• Minimal disruption to daily life

• Quick treatment sessions

• Suitable for adults and children

Clinical studies have demonstrated success rates of approximately 86%, making Swift one of the most effective treatment options currently available for persistent verrucas.

Falknor's Needling

For selected patients, Falknor's Needling may also be recommended.

Performed under local anaesthetic, this procedure introduces verruca tissue into the deeper layers of the skin to encourage the body's immune system to recognise and respond to the virus.

Conservative management

Depending on your symptoms, we may also recommend:

• Monitoring the verruca

• Conservative reduction of hard skin

• Foot hygiene advice

• Self-care guidance

• Ongoing review

Your podiatrist will explain the advantages and considerations of each option before helping you choose the treatment that best suits your needs.

Pricing

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment so we can understand your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment pathway.

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

Book your appointment

Whether your verruca is painful, persistent or simply affecting your confidence, we're here to help.

Book your Verruca Consultation today and let our experienced team help you find the treatment that's right for you.

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 Choose 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are verrucas contagious?

Yes. Verrucas are caused by HPV, which can spread through direct contact and warm, moist environments such as communal changing rooms and swimming pools.

Will my verruca go away on its own?

Some verrucas disappear naturally as the immune system clears the virus, although this may take many months or even years.

Can I go swimming if I have a verruca?

Yes. Current evidence suggests the risk of transmission is lower than previously believed, although sensible hygiene precautions remain advisable.

Why haven't over-the-counter treatments worked?

There is no single treatment that works for every verruca. Some respond to conservative treatments, while others require more advanced management.

Is Swift treatment painful?

Everyone experiences treatment differently, but sessions are very quick and most people tolerate the treatment well.

Can children have verruca treatment?

Yes. We regularly assess and treat verrucas in children and will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on their age and individual circumstances.

Can a verruca come back after treatment?

Although many verrucas respond well to treatment, no treatment can guarantee that they will never return. This is because everyone's immune response is different.

Further information

Why can verrucas become painful?

Verrucas on weight-bearing areas of the foot are often pushed inwards by body weight during walking.

Many people describe the sensation as:

• Walking on a pebble

• Standing on a stone

• Sharp discomfort during activity

• Pain when running or playing sport

For active people, this can significantly affect comfort and participation in everyday life.

Common myths

"Every verruca needs treating."

Not always. Some verrucas disappear naturally without treatment.

"The black dots are roots."

No. They are tiny blood vessels trapped within the infected skin.

"Cutting the verruca out will solve it."

Because the virus lives within the skin, simply removing the surface tissue rarely eliminates the infection.

"Only children get verrucas."

Although common in children and young adults, verrucas can affect people of any age.

Looking after a verruca

To help reduce irritation and minimise the risk of spreading the virus:

• Avoid picking the verruca

• Keep your feet clean and dry

• Wear flip-flops in communal changing areas

• Avoid sharing towels or footwear

• Seek professional advice if the verruca becomes painful or continues to spread

Related conditions

• Corns

• Callus

• Hyperhidrosis (Excessively Sweaty Feet)

• Children's Foot Health

• Sports Podiatry

Related treatments

• Swift Verruca Treatment

• Falknor's Needling

• Foot Health Consultation

• Ongoing Foot Health Care