Verruca Treatment: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 

Is A Verruca Affecting Your Comfort Or Confidence?

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

For some people, they are little more than a cosmetic nuisance. For others, they can become painful, spread to other areas of the foot and begin to affect walking, exercise and everyday activities.

Many people become frustrated after trying over-the-counter treatments, acids and home remedies with little or no success.

At Callen Olive, we understand how frustrating verrucas can be. We've been helping adults and children manage stubborn verrucas for many years and provide expert assessment and advanced treatment options designed to improve comfort and help you feel more confident in your feet again.

You're Not Alone

Verrucas can affect people of all ages.

We regularly see children, teenagers and adults who have been living with verrucas for months or even years.

Many people worry that they are contagious, become embarrassed about the appearance of their feet or simply feel frustrated that nothing seems to work.

You are not alone.

Whether your verruca is painful, spreading or simply affecting your confidence, we're here to help you understand your options and find the treatment approach that is most appropriate for you.

What Is A Verruca?

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

The virus infects the outer layers of the skin and causes an area of thickened tissue to develop.

Verrucas may:

• Appear as rough areas of thickened skin

• Contain small black dots

• Become painful when squeezed or pressed

• Occur individually or in clusters

• Develop on weight-bearing areas of the feet

Whilst they often develop on the soles of the feet, verrucas can occur anywhere on the foot.

Common Misconceptions About Verrucas

Verrucas Always Need Treating

Not necessarily.

Some verrucas resolve naturally as the body's immune system recognises and clears the virus.

However, this can sometimes take many months or even years.

Black Dots Are Roots

The small black dots often seen within a verruca are not roots.

They are tiny blood vessels that have become trapped within the infected skin.

Cutting The Verruca Out Will Solve The Problem

Because verrucas are caused by a viral infection within the skin, simply cutting away the surface tissue rarely removes the underlying virus.

Only Children Get Verrucas

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

What Causes Verrucas?

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

The virus tends to thrive in warm, moist environments.

Potential risk factors include:

• Swimming pools

• Communal changing rooms

• Shared shower facilities

• Excessively sweaty feet

• Skin damage

• Reduced immunity

However, many people develop verrucas without ever knowing exactly where they came from.

What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Rough, thickened skin

• Small black dots

• Pain when walking

• Tenderness when pressure is applied

• Multiple lesions developing together

• Discomfort during sport and exercise

• Embarrassment or reduced confidence

Some verrucas cause no symptoms at all, whilst others can become surprisingly painful.

Why Verrucas Can Become Painful

Verrucas on weight-bearing areas of the feet are often pushed inward by body weight and pressure during walking.

This can create discomfort that some people describe as:

• Walking on a pebble

• Standing on a stone

• Sharp discomfort during activity

• Pain during running and sport

For active individuals, verrucas can sometimes affect both comfort and participation in everyday activities.

How We Assess Verrucas

Assessment focuses on understanding:

• The size and location of the verruca

• Whether the lesion is painful

• How long it has been present

• Previous treatments tried

• Whether multiple verrucas are present

• The impact on everyday life

This allows us to establish an accurate diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your individual circumstances.

Your Personalised Treatment Options

Not every verruca requires the same treatment approach.

Treatment recommendations depend on:

• Age

• Symptoms

• Size and location

• Duration of the verruca

• Number of lesions present

• Previous treatments

• Your treatment goals

Management may include:

• Monitoring and observation

• Conservative management

• Verruca reduction

• Advice regarding foot hygiene

• Advanced verruca treatments

Our clinicians will discuss the benefits and considerations of each option and help you choose the most appropriate treatment pathway.

Swift Verruca Treatment

At Callen Olive, we offer Swift, one of the most advanced treatments currently available for stubborn verrucas.

Swift uses microwave technology to deliver a precise dose of energy into the affected tissue. The treatment is designed to stimulate the body's own immune response to recognise and fight the virus.

Benefits of Swift may include:

• No dressings required

• No need for acid applications at home

• Minimal disruption to everyday activities

• Suitable for adults and children

• Quick treatment sessions

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

Needling For Verrucas

For carefully selected cases, Falknor's Needling may also be considered.

This procedure involves introducing verruca tissue into the deeper layers of the skin under local anaesthetic to help stimulate an immune response against the virus.

Your clinician will discuss whether this treatment may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We understand that verrucas can be painful, frustrating and often surprisingly difficult to get rid of.

Many people have tried numerous treatments before coming to see us and are simply looking for answers and expert advice.

Our experienced clinicians regularly assess and manage verrucas in both adults and children and understand that successful treatment is about more than simply treating the lesion itself.

By combining expert assessment, advanced treatment options and personalised care, we help people understand their condition, explore their options and work towards healthier, more comfortable feet.

Because caring for your feet isn't simply about treating a verruca. It's about helping you feel comfortable, confident and supported throughout your foot health journey.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Treatment Fees

No two patients are the same.

That's why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the treatment options available and help you choose the most appropriate pathway to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our focus is always on helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your comfort, mobility and long-term wellbeing.

New Patient Verruca Consultation £100

Follow Up Foot Health Appointment £90

Our team will support you throughout every stage of your treatment journey to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for.

If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Call us on +44 333 305 8347.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Verrucas Contagious?

Yes. Verrucas are caused by a virus that 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 resolve naturally, although this may take many months or even years.

Can I Go Swimming With A Verruca?

Yes. Current evidence suggests the risk of transmission is lower than previously believed, although sensible hygiene precautions are still recommended.

Why Have Over-The-Counter Treatments Not Worked?

Verrucas can be stubborn and there is no single treatment that works for everyone. Some lesions respond to conservative treatments whilst others may require more advanced management.

Is Swift Painful?

People experience treatment differently, but treatment sessions are very quick and most people tolerate the procedure well.

Can Children Have Verruca Treatment?

Yes. We regularly assess and manage verrucas in both adults and children and will discuss the most appropriate treatment options based on age and individual circumstances.

Can A Verruca Come Back After Treatment?

Although many verrucas respond well to treatment, no treatment can guarantee that a verruca will never return because everyone's immune response is different. Your clinician will discuss realistic expectations and the most appropriate management options for your individual circumstances.

Ready To Move More Comfortably Again?

Whether your verruca is painful, persistent or simply affecting your confidence, our experienced team is here to help.

Together, we'll help you understand your options and create a personalised treatment plan designed around your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.

Book your Verruca Consultation today and take the first step towards healthier, more comfortable feet.