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Verrucas are a type of wart, caused by a viral infection of the skin. They usually appear on the soles of the feet, most commonly around the ball of the foot, and are often sensitive and painful to the touch. Characterised by flat thick skin with a hard edge around a softer centre, verrucas are easy to distinguish from other foot problems such as corns, because they usually have tiny black dots at the centre.
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Children and teenagers are more prone to verrucas than adults and not everyone is susceptible to them. As most people are aware, the common route of infection is through shared facilities such as swimming pools and public changing rooms, where a person with a verruca has left virus infected cells on the floor.
Those with cuts or scratches on their feet are particularly vulnerable to infection. Any person with a verruca can still go swimming but should wear a verruca sock designed to contain the infection from others.
Verrucas can persist for long periods, often months and years but will usually go away on their own without treatment. As they can be painful, most people choose to treat them and there are a range of treatments available depending on the age of the patient, the extent of the infection and level of discomfort caused.
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Some treatments incorporate salicylic acid and a water tight barrier to eliminate cross infection. A series of treatments are required and after each, the affected area must be rubbed down with a pumice stone or similar abrasive. A common alternative incorporates a liquid nitrogen spray which freezes the verruca away. As with the other treatments, a course of action over a period of time is generally required. Glossop Chiropody will advise you on the best course of action in any particular case.
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