Verrucas
Verrucas are a type of wart that present on the bottom of the feet. They are very common, and nothing to be embarrassed about. They do not occur because of bad hygiene, although you are more likely to catch a verruca if you have damaged skin on your feet.
Verrucas are infectious and so are passed on by contact with a person who is infected or contact with contaminated objects such as towels or areas such as swimming pools.
Verrucas can go away on their own after many months or even years, but it's best to treat them to stop them causing a problem and to prevent them spreading to other areas of your body or other people.
Treatment
I usually use a strong acid (mono-Chloracetic acid) as I consider this the most effective treatment with careful application.
You can buy verruca treatments from your local pharmacist, but they are often laborious and don't always work. Your GP or local podiatrist can treat your verruca, often with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), laser therapy or minor operations.
Prevention
- Avoid close contact with other verrucas and wash your hands well if you do come into contact with one.
- Avoid sharing socks, towels and shoes.
- Wash your feet daily and always dry them well.
- Practise good foot care to keep the skin on the feet healthy.
- Change your socks daily.
- Avoid sweaty feet by wearing breathable shoes.
- Try to avoid being barefoot in public places such as swimming baths.
- If you do have a verruca, make sure you wear in a verruca sock or verruca plaster when in public places.
Mosaic verruca
Classic verruca
Verrucae before treatment
Verrucae after treatment
Disclaimer: This information should be used as supplementary information only. Advice should be sought from your GP or qualified podiatrist.
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