Verruca & Wart Treatment | The Functional Podiatrist

Overview

What Is a Verruca?

Verruca (plantar wart) close-up showing the characteristic rough, raised appearance

Verruca (plantar wart) — caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)

A verruca is a viral wart found on the sole of the foot, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically appear as hard, flat or raised patches — often with small black dots (thrombosed capillaries) visible at the surface — and frequently become painful when standing or walking as body weight compresses the lesion inward.

Verrucae are contagious and spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces — swimming pools, gym changing rooms and communal showers are common transmission sites. The virus enters through small cuts or abrasions in the skin.

While some verrucae resolve spontaneously over months or years as the immune system clears the virus, many become persistent — particularly in adults — and benefit significantly from professional treatment, especially when causing pain, spreading to multiple sites or failing to respond to over-the-counter treatments.

Treatments

Verruca Treatment Options

Option 01

Verruca Needling (Falknor's Method)

Verruca needling is an advanced technique that punctures the verruca repeatedly under local anaesthetic, introducing the viral tissue into the deeper layers of the dermis. This triggers a targeted immune response — the body recognises the HPV virus and mounts a systemic attack that can clear not only the treated lesion but also verrucae elsewhere on the body. It is the most effective treatment for stubborn, long-standing or multiple verrucae and has the strongest evidence base of any podiatric verruca treatment.

69–70% Clear after a single session — up to 85% for the directly treated lesion

80–90% Overall clearance when a second session is performed approximately 3 months later

1 session Most patients require only one treatment — a second is available if needed

For current pricing please visit our fees & pricing page.

Research: PubMed Central · British Journal of Dermatology 2017

Option 02

Cryotherapy & Acid Treatments

For milder or earlier-stage verrucae, we offer cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) and topical acids such as salicylic acid or monochloroacetic acid (MCA). These treatments work by destroying the infected tissue and stimulating a local immune response. They are less invasive than needling and are well suited to children, recent presentations, or patients who prefer to avoid local anaesthetic.

~65% Success rate after 3–6 treatment sessions

Children Well suited for younger patients or early-stage verrucae

Multiple Sessions typically needed — reviewed and progressed at each appointment

For current pricing please visit our fees & pricing page.

Why choose us

Why Patients Choose The Functional Podiatrist

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Evidence-based treatmentsNeedling, cryotherapy and acid — we match the treatment to the presentation, not a one-size approach.

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HCPC-registered podiatristsExperienced, registered practitioners — not a beauty salon or pharmacy setting.

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Same-week appointmentsRichmond and Kensington — flexible appointment times including evenings.

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Adults and childrenTailored treatment plans for all ages — we advise on the safest and most effective approach for each patient.

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5.0 Google ratingConsistently rated five stars by our patients for quality of care and clinical outcomes.

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No referral neededBook directly online — no GP referral required.

FAQs

Common Questions About Verruca Treatment

Is verruca needling painful?

We use local anaesthetic before the procedure, so discomfort during treatment is minimal. You may feel mild soreness for a few days afterwards — this is normal and a sign that the immune response is working.

How many needling sessions will I need?

Most patients require one session. Where the first treatment triggers a good immune response, outcomes are typically very positive. If the verruca has not fully resolved, a second session is usually carried out around 3 months later — this brings overall clearance rates up to 80–90% in the clinical literature. No treatment guarantees 100% clearance, but needling has the strongest evidence base for stubborn or long-standing verrucae.

Is needling better than acid or freezing?

For stubborn or long-standing verrucae, needling has a higher success rate. For newer, smaller or less established verrucae — particularly in children — cryotherapy or acid may be effective and less invasive. We will advise at your assessment which approach is most appropriate for your presentation.

Can children have these treatments?

Yes — we offer tailored treatment options for children and adults. Cryotherapy and acid treatments are generally preferred for younger patients. Needling requires local anaesthetic and is typically used in older children and adults. We will advise on the safest, most effective plan for your child's age and presentation.

How long does it take for a verruca to clear?

After needling, most verrucae resolve within approximately 3 months as the immune response builds. Acid and cryotherapy treatments typically require 3–6 sessions over several weeks before clearance is achieved. We review progress at each appointment and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Can I walk after verruca needling?

Yes — most patients walk out of the appointment comfortably. The local anaesthetic will wear off within a few hours, after which some tenderness is normal for 2–3 days. We provide aftercare guidance at the appointment.

Do I need a referral?

No — you can book directly online or by phone without a GP referral.

Don't let a verruca affect your life. Same-week appointments at Richmond and Kensington. No referral needed.

Book an Appointment Call 020 3576 0630