Verrucae

What are they

They are viral infections of the skin and are generally harmless. They are really a type of wart.

Like warts they often have a broken up "cauliflower" appearance. They can look a lot like a corn, especially on the sole of the foot, where they are squashed into a hard lump.
The best way to identify them is by squeezing. If it is a verruca it will have a sharp pricking feeling.

Are they infectious

They are not very infectious though that is how they spread. Normally your skin has to be moist or abraded to pick up the virus typically from communal changing areas at gyms and swimming baths.

Do they need to be treated

Ideally they resolve naturally when the bodies immune system attacks, and this can provide future immunity. However if they are painful or spreading treatment may be required.

What is the best treatment

Similar verrucae often respond differently to the same treatment.

If it isn't too big or established freezing is usually the quickest method of treatment though it may sting.

Freezing is usually effective in one or two treatments. The frozen skin blisters and should be left to peel away in its own time. The treatment may be painful leaving the area tender for a few days.

Where they are larger or have resisted previous treatment cryotherapy is less effective and very painful. We recommend paring down the verruca and applying caustics weekly which gradually break down the infection.

It is important to make sure it is clear as it will grow back stronger if it isn't completely clear.