A wart is a small, rough growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It can appear anywhere on the body but is most common on the hands and feet. When found on the soles of the feet, it’s called a plantar wart or verruca. So a wart and Verruca is one virus. It has a different name when on different parts of the body. Podiatrists are amazing at removing warts, as they have lots of experience in removing verrucae.
How to Know If You Have a Wart
Warts can be mistaken for other skin conditions. Here’s how to identify them:
- Appearance: Small, rough, and grainy growths with a hardened surface.
- Black Dots: Tiny black spots are often visible, representing trapped blood vessels.
- Pain: Warts on weight-bearing areas, like the soles, can cause discomfort or sharp pain.
- Location: Often found on fingers, hands, or feet (plantar warts).
- Clusters: Verrucae may appear as a single wart or in clusters.
10 Ways to Prevent Warts
- Avoid Walking Barefoot: Wear shoes or flip-flops in communal areas like pools and gyms.
- Keep Feet Dry: HPV thrives in damp environments.
- Do Not Pick Warts: This can spread the virus to other parts of the body.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Towels, socks, and shoes can spread HPV.
- Boost Immunity: A healthy diet and lifestyle reduce your risk of infections.
- Clean Cuts Promptly: Cover open wounds to prevent virus entry.
- Disinfect Shoes: Regularly sanitise footwear to eliminate lingering viruses.
- Use Protective Padding: Minimise pressure and friction on vulnerable areas.
- Choose Breathable Footwear: This helps keep your feet dry and healthy.
- Visit a Podiatrist Early: Early detection and treatment prevent spread and discomfort.
Why See a Podiatrist for Warts?
Bucks Foot Clinic’s podiatrists offer specialised treatments for warts and verrucae. Here’s how they help:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Distinguish warts from corns or other conditions.
- Effective Treatments: Options include cryotherapy, Swift therapy, and minor surgery.
- Pain Relief: Professional care ensures comfort during and after treatment.
- Prevent Recurrence: Tailored solutions to stop warts from returning.
Why Choose Bucks Foot Clinic?
Our podiatrists have a proven track record of success in wart and verruca treatment. With state-of-the-art equipment and personalised care, we ensure:
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Highly Skilled Podiatrists
Our team in Amersham, is experienced in treating even the most stubborn warts.
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State-of-the-Art Technology
We use advanced techniques like Swift therapy, cryotherapy, and needling to achieve the best results.
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High Success Rates
Our patients report excellent outcomes, with most verrucas completely removed and skin looking healthy again.
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The Best Wart Treatment Centre in South Bucks
Our clinic’s reputation for quality care and exceptional results makes us the top choice for verruca treatment.
Home Treatments for Warts
If you want to try treating a verruca at home instead of seeing a podiatrist, these methods have been suggested. They would not give the same results as seeing a professional.
Although professional care is best, you can try these home remedies:
- Salicylic Acid Treatments: Over-the-counter solutions can soften the verruca. These can take many months to work.
- Scholl Verruca and Wart Complete Treatment Pen
This product delivers targeted treatment for verrucas over several weeks. This is effective in very minor cases of verrucae, but the success rate is not as high as professional treatments like Swift or other methods done by a podiatrist.
- Scholl Verruca and Wart Remover Freeze Treatment
This freezes the verruca, breaking down infected tissue. The success rates are really debatable, as the temperature does not drop to the same levels as a professional cryosurgery in a clinical environment.
These methods do not have any guarantees in working and in clinical tests they do not have any better success factors then doing nothing.
Banana Skin Wart Removal
Rub the inside of a banana peel on the wart, then cover it overnight. While some claim this works, it’s not scientifically proven. We have heard this a few times, but not been able to prove it works.
Duct Tape Method
Cover the verruca with wart tape, leave it for several days, and then gently file the dead skin away. This has never been proved to work on a medical basis. But people state it works
Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak cotton in vinegar, apply to the wart, and secure it overnight. This also has no medical basis.
Foot Soaks: Soaking your feet in warm, soapy water can reduce discomfort. This will not help at all. It will help spread the virus to more parts of the feet, if there is any exposed wound.
Pumice Stone: This spreads the virus to other parts of the feet..
Cover the Wart: Use plasters to protect the area and prevent spreading is the myth. This only prevents spreading to other people or on the feet. It is protests other people from catching the verrucae, but it does not heal the problem.
Please, please Avoid Picking or Cutting: This can worsen the condition and cause infections.
Caution: Home treatments may only provide temporary relief and can’t address deep or painful verrucae. Professional care ensures a thorough solution.
Why Professional Care Is Better Than Home Remedies
- Swift Therapy: Advanced microwave treatment for targeted results.
- Cryotherapy: Quick freezing to destroy the wart effectively.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Identifies whether it’s a wart or another condition.
- Safe Removal: Minimises pain and risk of infection.
- Faster Results: Professional treatments work quicker than over-the-counter options.
- Tailored Advice: Personalised care for your specific condition.
- Preventive Solutions: Recommendations to avoid recurrence.
- No DIY Risks: Avoids irritation or improper removal techniques.
- Long-Term Results: Eliminates warts without regrowth.
- Monitoring Progress: Follow-ups ensure complete recovery.
Why Wait? Get Expert Care Today!
Don’t let fungal nails or athlete’s foot hold you back. Bucks Foot Clinic offers expert diagnosis and treatment to restore your foot health.
Contact us now to book an appointment at one of our South Bucks locations!
Book your appointment today and step into a pain-free future!
FAQ
What is the difference between a wart and a verruca?
Verrucae are warts on the soles of the feet, caused by the same virus but appearing flat due to pressure.
How do warts spread?
Through direct contact with the virus or contaminated surfaces.
Can I treat warts at home?
Over-the-counter remedies may help, but professional care is more effective.
What is Swift therapy?
A microwave-based treatment that stimulates your immune system to target the virus.
Is cryotherapy painful?
Cryotherapy may cause mild discomfort but is quick and effective.
How long does wart treatment take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the size and depth of the wart.
Can warts come back after treatment?
Professional care reduces recurrence, especially with preventive advice.
Why choose Bucks Foot Clinic for wart removal?
Our podiatrists provide advanced care with a high success rate and tailored treatments.
Are warts contagious?
Yes, they can spread through direct contact or shared items.
What happens if I don’t treat a wart?
Warts can grow, spread, or become painful without treatment.