Struggling with a stubborn verruca? You’re not alone. Verrucas are a common foot condition treated regularly at Poized Podiatry. In this guide, we explain what verrucas are, why they develop, how to recognise them, and the most effective professional verruca treatments, including Verrutop, Verruca Needling, and laser treatment.
What Is a Verruca?
A verruca (also known as a plantar wart) is a viral infection of the skin on the sole of the foot. It is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions.
Verrucas often appear on weight‑bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot and can become painful if left untreated.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Verrucas
You may have a verruca if you notice:
A small, rough or grainy lump on the sole of the foot
Tiny black dots (often called seed spots, which are clotted blood vessels)
Pain or discomfort when walking or standing
Thickened skin or a callus forming over the area
Pain when the verruca is squeezed from the sides
Verrucas can affect both adults and children and may spread if not treated effectively.
How Do You Catch a Verruca?
Verrucas thrive in warm, moist environments, making places such as swimming pools, gyms, communal showers and changing rooms common sources of infection.
You are more likely to develop a verruca if you:
Walk barefoot in communal areas
Have small cuts or broken skin on your feet
Have a weakened immune system
Share towels, shoes or socks
Do Verrucas Go Away on Their Own?
Some verrucas may resolve without treatment, but this can take months or even years. Many become painful, spread to other areas of the foot, or pass to other people.
Professional podiatry treatment is often the fastest, safest and most effective way to remove a verruca and prevent recurrence.
Professional Verruca Treatments at Poized Podiatry
We offer clinically proven verruca treatments, tailored to your age, lifestyle and the severity of the verruca.
Verrutop Treatment
Verrutop is a topical treatment applied by a podiatrist. It works by drying out the verruca and triggering the body’s immune response to fight the virus.
Benefits of Verrutop:
No needles or injections
Minimal discomfort
Suitable for adults and children
Usually requires only a small number of treatments
Verrutop is ideal for patients looking for an effective, non‑invasive option.
Verruca Needling
Verruca needling is a highly effective treatment for stubborn or long‑standing verrucas. Under local anaesthetic, a fine needle is used to puncture the verruca and push viral tissue into deeper layers of the skin, stimulating a strong immune response.
Benefits of Verruca Needling:
High success rates
Often effective with just one treatment
Treats the virus, not just the surface skin
Particularly useful for resistant verrucas
This treatment is best suited for adults and older teenagers.
Laser Verruca Treatment
Laser treatment uses controlled energy to destroy the verruca tissue and target the virus at its source.
Benefits of Laser Treatment:
Precise and targeted
Effective for multiple or painful verrucas
Minimal damage to surrounding skin
Delivered as a short treatment course
Laser therapy is an excellent option for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Why Choose a Podiatrist for Verruca Treatment?
Over‑the‑counter treatments are often ineffective and may damage healthy skin. A HCPC‑registered podiatrist can:
Confirm the diagnosis
Choose the most appropriate treatment
Reduce pain and treatment time
Lower the risk of spreading or recurrence
Book Your Verruca Assessment Today
If you have a painful, persistent or spreading verruca, professional treatment can make a real difference. Contact us on 0151 458 2984 today to book your verruca assessment and take the first step towards pain‑free feet.