Verrucae, Verrucae Needling & Swift Microwave Verruca Treatment
What is a Verruca?
Why have I developed a Verruca?
The HPV virus which causes a verruca to grow is highly contagious, particularly around communal changing areas.
They can spread from person to person through contact with contaminated surfaces or through skin to skin contact.
You are more likely to spread a verruca if your skin is wet or damaged. A verruca may not appear until months after you came into contact with the virus.
Before and after Verruca treatment
How can you treat Verrucae?
Our podiatrists at Total Foot Health can offer you a range of treatments for this condition including occlusion therapy, Swift Microwave treatment or Needling. (Needling is generally NOT suited to the under 10’s).
Swift Microwave Treatment uses microwaves to heat up infected tissue, break down the barrier around the verruca and allow the body’s immune system to fight the virus. The beauty of this treatment is that it is quick and you can return to activities immediately. There are no dressings or aftercare needed.
Verruca Needling is designed to cause repeated trauma to the verruca so that the cells are quickly detected by the immune system and an immune response is triggered. This procedure is carried out painlessly under local anesthetic. Needling usually needs only one application, but in some cases further treatment may be necessary.
Let us help you to step out, pain free and verruca free.
Frequently Asked Questions: Verrucae & Treatment Options
What is a verruca?
A verruca is a viral skin infection caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Unlike warts on the hands, verrucae stay flat due to pressure from walking and can become painful over time.
How do you catch a verruca?
The HPV virus is highly contagious. It’s commonly picked up in communal showers, swimming pools, and gyms – especially when skin is wet or broken.
Why is my verruca not going away?
The virus hides in the outer skin layers, making it difficult for the immune system to detect. This is why verrucae often persist for months or even years without treatment.
What treatments are available?
Total Foot Health offers several options: occlusion therapy, Swift Microwave Treatment, and Verruca Needling. Your podiatrist will recommend the best choice based on your age, health, and verruca severity.
What is Swift Microwave Treatment?
Swift delivers microwaves to the verruca, rapidly heating the tissue and stimulating the body’s immune response. It’s quick, requires no dressings, and you can walk out and resume normal activity immediately.
What is verruca needling?
Needling is a minor procedure done under local anaesthetic. It creates controlled trauma to the infected area to stimulate an immune response. Most patients need just one treatment.
Can children have these treatments?
Swift is suitable for all ages. Needling is generally not recommended for children under 10 years of age.
Verruca Treatment Options at Total Foot Health
| Treatment | How It Works | Suitable For | Offered at TFH? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occlusion Therapy | Starves the virus of oxygen using coverings (e.g. tape or pads) | Children, mild cases | ✔ |
| Swift Microwave Therapy | Uses microwaves to rapidly heat tissue and trigger immune response | All ages (especially adults) | ✔ |
| Verruca Needling | Local anaesthetic + precise treatment to trigger immune defence | Adults and older children (10+) | ✔ |
| Acid or freezing kits (OTC) | Destroys superficial skin layers | ✔ (home use) | ✘ |
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