Verrucae are warts that develop on the feet, often on the pressure points like the heels or balls of the feet. They can appear as small, rough, hardened lumps with a center that may contain black dots (clotted blood vessels). While verrucae typically grow in clusters, they can also occur as a single wart.
The virus responsible for verrucae is part of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. There are many different strains of HPV, and some are more likely to cause warts on the feet. The virus thrives in moist environments, which is why verrucae are often contracted in public areas such as swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms.
Although verrucae often resolve on their own over time, treatment is often recommended to reduce discomfort, prevent spreading, and speed up healing. At Sassy Feet Podiatry, we offer a variety of treatment options to effectively address verrucae:
This involves applying a cold substance (usually liquid nitrogen) to the wart, which freezes and destroys the tissue. Cryotherapy is a highly effective treatment for verrucae and typically requires multiple sessions to fully remove the wart.
is a unique combination which is formulated with Nitrizinc Complex, a solution containing nitric acid, organic acids, zinc and copper salts. It is a topical solution based on Nitrizinc Complex® for treating skin, palmoplantar and periungual warts and condylomata. This formulation is applied directly to the wart, causing it to dehydrate and peel away over time. Unlike some treatments that rely on extreme temperatures or aggressive chemicals, Verrutop works by breaking down the protein structure of the wart, leading to a natural shedding of the affected skin.
In cases where verrucae do not respond to other treatments, laser therapy may be used. This involves using a focused laser beam to target and destroy the wart tissue. Laser treatment is often effective for stubborn verrucae that do not respond to other methods.
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