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Help I have a Verruca!

At The Orchard Clinic verrucae are kind of our thing!


Here is some information about verrucae and our top tips for home care.


A verruca, commonly known as a plantar wart, is a type of wart that appears on the sole of the foot. Verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Here are some key points about verrucas:

Appearance

  • Location: Typically found on the soles of the feet.

  • Texture: Rough, grainy texture.

  • Size: Can range from small (a few millimeters) to larger growths.

  • Colour: Can be flesh-coloured, white, pink, or tan, often with black pinpoint dots in the centre, which are small, clotted blood vessels.

Symptoms

  • Pain: May cause discomfort or pain, especially when walking or standing.

  • Tenderness: Can be tender when pressed.

  • Thickness: The skin around the verruca may become thickened.

Causes

  • HPV Infection: Caused by certain strains of HPV.

  • Transmission: Spread through direct contact with the virus, often in communal areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers.

Risk Factors

  • Moist Environments: Walking barefoot in communal areas.

  • Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.

  • Skin Integrity: Cuts or abrasions on the feet increase the risk of infection.

Treatment

  • Over-the-Counter Remedies: Salicylic acid preparations, which help to peel away the infected skin.



  • Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.

  • Prescription Treatments: Stronger topical medications or treatments prescribed by a healthcare provider.

  • Home Remedies: Duct tape occlusion therapy, though evidence of its effectiveness is mixed.

  • Professional Removal: at the clinic we offer strong acid application, a Verrutop application which is another strong topical treatment or verruca needling for those really stubborn ones that won't go away!


Our Tips Fot Prevention

  • Foot Hygiene: Keep feet clean and dry, change socks through the day, give children spare pairs in their school bags. Use surgical spirit to help dry the foot out before sock application.

  • Footwear: Wear shoes in communal areas to avoid direct contact with surfaces that may harbor the virus.

  • Avoid Picking: Do not pick at warts to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of the body or to other people. If you use home treatments be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.


Managing and treating verrucas can help alleviate discomfort and prevent the spread of the virus to others. If you would like more information about the treatments we offer please visit our website: https://www.the-orchard-clinic.com/verruca-treatments



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