Verrucas Information and Treatment Perth - Rightstep Podiatry
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Unit 4, 2 Panama Street

Canning Vale WA 6155

Verrucas/Warts

plantar warts/verrucae on the bottom of foot

What is a Verruca/wart?

Verrucas are caused by the HPV virus, and are a type of wart.

Infection leads to a small, dark puncture mark that may later turn grey or brown with black dots in the centre.

Where there is little or no pressure on areas of your foot the wart may have a cauliflower appearance that is raised instead of flat.

It is always advisable to visit your podiatrist for a diagnosis before starting any treatments.

How do you get Verrucas/warts?

plantar warts/verrucae on the bottom of foot

The verruca spreads by direct contact with shedded, infected skin cells.

Commonly verrucae are picked up at swimming pools, communal showers in gyms, school gym floors, mats, baths, etc.,

Commonly verrucae affect children (school age) and young adults who frequently attend gyms, and swimming facilities.

In children, unless the verruca is painful it is advised not to treat the verruca as they tend to disappear on their own in around 6 – 12 months.

Occasionally verruca may spread throughout the foot and the family and cause a multiple problem that is hard to eradicate.

If this occurs treatment is advisable.

Verrucae/warts are very contagious and careful application of simple extra hygiene tips may help prevent re-occurrence.

Hints and tips which may help to prevent the cycle

  • Have individual towels or dry the affected foot with a piece of kitchen towel
  • Try to keep the area covered with a dressing or plaster
  • If you opt for treatment, it may also be worth implementing the following tips:
    • Changing your shoes if you have previously worn them barefoot
    • Throw out the bath mat for a new one, and then keep the wart covered with a waterproof plaster
    • Wear flip flops in communal showers
    • Wear footwear such as sandals or shoes around the house

Treatment

Option to self treat is available with a range of acid based treatments from the chemist.

An option which we have available at our clinic is the SWIFT Microwave Therapy, the latest technology for the treatment of warts.

The SWIFT is a cleaner, faster and more predictable treatment for verruca lesions/warts.

For more information about SWIFT Microwave therapy for warts please click HERE or HERE

If you have been struggling to treat your wart with a range of different treatment options, please do not hesitate to book an appointment with us to discuss further options of wart therapy available.

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