Verruca treatment.
Two specialist options, one appointment.
Whether you've been fighting it with over-the-counter treatments for months, or you want the most effective option from the start, we offer two clinically proven treatments and an honest steer on which suits your case.
What is a verruca?
A verruca (plantar wart) is a viral skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear on the soles of the feet and can range from a single, small lesion to a cluster of several (mosaic verruca). They are often painful, particularly on weight-bearing surfaces, and notoriously resistant to home treatments.
Many verrucas resolve on their own over time, particularly in children. In adults, especially long-standing or treatment-resistant cases, professional intervention is often needed to clear them effectively.
Two proven approaches
We offer two clinically effective treatments. At your first appointment we'll examine the verruca, discuss your history and preferences, and recommend the most appropriate option, or let you choose based on our guidance.
Verrutop
A professional-grade topical solution applied directly to the verruca in clinic. Verrutop creates an oxidative reaction within the verruca tissue, gradually breaking it down without damaging surrounding healthy skin.
- No needles, no anaesthetic
- Applied in clinic every 3–4 weeks
- Typically 4–6 sessions
- Suitable for all ages
- Particularly effective for mosaic verrucas
- Good option if you prefer a non-invasive approach
Verruca needling
A minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic. A sterile needle punctures the verruca tissue multiple times, introducing HPV-infected cells into the deeper dermis where the immune system is most active. This triggers a systemic immune response that can clear the virus, often at multiple sites simultaneously.
- Performed under local anaesthetic
- Typically one session
- Published clearance rates over 70%
- Can clear multiple verrucas at once
- Best option for stubborn, long-standing cases
- Can begin in your first appointment
Which is right for you? Verrutop is ideal if you prefer a gradual, non-invasive approach over several sessions. Verruca needling is better suited to stubborn or long-standing verrucas where you want the most effective option, often cleared in a single session. We'll give you an honest clinical recommendation at your appointment.
Comparing your options
| Feature | Verrutop | Needling |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthetic required | No | Local anaesthetic |
| Number of sessions | 4–6 sessions | Typically 1 |
| Session frequency | Every 3–4 weeks | Single visit |
| Can treat multiple verrucas | Each treated individually | Yes, systemic response |
| Suitable for mosaic verrucas | Particularly effective | Yes |
| Suitable for children | Yes | Case by case |
| Published clearance rate | Variable | Over 70% |
| Can start same appointment | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
The local anaesthetic injections cause a brief stinging sensation, this is the most uncomfortable part. Once the foot is numb, you will feel nothing during the procedure itself. Some soreness afterwards is normal and settles within a day or two; manage it with paracetamol rather than ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories, which can dampen the immune response the treatment relies on.
Most patients notice changes to the verruca tissue within the first 2–3 sessions. Full clearance typically takes 4–6 sessions over 3–5 months. We review progress at each appointment and adjust the treatment plan if needed.
Verruca needling has published clearance rates of over 70%, meaning the majority of patients clear with one session. For those who don't fully clear, a second session is often successful. We review at a follow-up appointment 8–12 weeks after needling to assess the immune response before deciding on next steps.
Yes. You'll walk out of the appointment normally. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity for 24–48 hours and keeping the area clean and dry. Normal footwear is fine immediately after.
Yes, verrucas are caused by HPV and can spread to other areas of the skin or to other people through direct contact, particularly in wet environments like swimming pools and changing rooms. We advise covering verrucas when in shared facilities and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas until they have cleared.
Yes, in fact, long-standing verrucas are exactly what verruca needling is designed for. The immune system often doesn't recognise verrucas that have been present for a long time. Needling forces the immune system to respond, which is why it can be effective where years of other treatments have failed.