Effective Verruca Treatment: How Conservative Care Can Help All Ages

Verrucae (plantar warts) are a common foot problem that affect children, teenagers, and adults alike. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), they often appear on the soles of the feet/toes, making walking or standing uncomfortable. While some verrucae disappear on their own, many persist and can become painful, stubborn, or spread if left untreated.

What Makes Verrucae Difficult to Treat?

• Resistant Virus – Verrucae can survive for months or even years without treatment.
  
• Thickened Skin – The tough skin on the soles of the feet often protects the wart, making over-the-counter remedies less effective.
  
• Pain & Pressure – Because verrucae sit beneath weight-bearing areas, every step can press them deeper into the skin.

Conservative Treatment: A First-Line Approach

Conservative care is often the best starting point, especially for children, teenagers, or anyone who prefers non-surgical, non-invasive treatment options.

Salicylic acid therapy works by softening and breaking down the thickened wart tissue, allowing the immune system to better recognise and fight the virus.

Most pharmacy-based verruca treatments contain around 10–20% salicylic acid. While these may help with smaller, newer verrucae, they often fall short when treating deeper or more stubborn lesions.

At Perform Podiatry, we provide a medical-grade 70% salicylic acid treatment, which:

• Penetrates deeper into the thick plantar skin.
  
• Targets the infected tissue more aggressively than standard preparations.
  
• Has minimal downtime, patients can usually continue normal activities immediately.
• Is effective across ages, children, adults, and older patients all respond well.
• Is safe & non-invasive, no needles or surgical excision required.

The Treatment Process

1. Initial Assessment – We assess the verruca and surrounding skin, confirming the diagnosis.
   
2. Preparation – The area is carefully debrided (excess skin is removed) to allow the solution to penetrate effectively.
   
3. Application of 70% Salicylic Acid – A precise amount of solution is applied directly to the lesion.
   
4. Protection – The site is covered with a tape to protect surrounding skin.
   
5. Follow-Up – Repeat applications are scheduled depending on the severity of the verruca and the patient’s response.

What to Expect After Treatment

Some patients notice improvement after just a few sessions, while more stubborn verrucae may require several weeks of care. Patience is important,  verruca treatment is a gradual process, but with consistent management, results are very promising.

If you are unsure which treatment is right for you, you’re welcome to book a Verruca Surgical Consult to discuss your options with one of our podiatrists.
If this is your first visit and you’d prefer a consultation along with conservative treatment, please book a Standard Appointment by clicking here or give us a call on 09 523 2333 to speak to our receptionist.  

Wart (Verruca) Surgery

What are Plantar Warts (Verruca)?

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