Verruca and Warts
Expert Assessment & Advanced Treatment in Prestonpans, East Lothian
What Are Verrucas and Warts?
Verrucas and warts are viral skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). When they appear on the soles of the feet, they’re known as verrucas.
They are:
- Very common
- Harmless in most cases
- Often stubborn
- Sometimes painful
- Frequently frustrating
Verrucas can occur at any age, but are especially common in children, teenagers, and active adults.
How Verrucas Affect the Feet
Unlike warts elsewhere on the body, verrucas are pushed inwards by body weight when you stand or walk. This can cause:
- Pain under pressure
- A sensation of walking on a stone
- Thickened skin over the lesion
- Disruption to walking or sport
Some verrucas cause very little discomfort, while others become significantly painful and activity-limiting.
Do Verrucas Always Need Treatment?
Not always — and this is where expert assessment matters.
Many verrucas, particularly in children, will:
- Resolve naturally
- Cause minimal discomfort
- Not require intervention
However, treatment may be appropriate when a verruca:
- Is painful
- Is spreading or multiplying
- Has been present for a long time
- Is affecting sport, work, or daily life
- Has not responded to previous treatment
At Adam Smith Podiatry & Sports Clinic, we’ll always explain whether treatment is necessary — and why.
Verrucas Across All Ages
Children and Teenagers
- Very common due to swimming pools and changing rooms
- Often resolve naturally
- Treatment is gentle and age-appropriate
- Reassurance is sometimes the best option
Adults
- Verrucas tend to persist longer
- More likely to become painful
- Often resist over-the-counter treatments
Older Adults
- Less common, but may be more painful
- Skin integrity and healing are carefully considered
How We Treat Verrucas and Warts
SWIFT® Microwave Therapy
Our Most Advanced and Effective Treatment
SWIFT® is a clinically advanced verruca treatment that uses targeted microwave energy to stimulate the body’s immune response to clear the virus.
Why SWIFT stands out:
- One of the highest success rates of any verruca treatment
- No dressings
- No chemicals
- No need to keep the foot dry
- Minimal disruption to daily life
- Suitable for many stubborn verrucas
SWIFT is particularly effective for:
- Long-standing verrucas
- Painful plantar verrucas
- Verrucas that haven’t responded to other treatments
This treatment has transformed how we manage difficult cases.
Verruca Needling
Verruca needling is a minor procedure designed to trigger a strong immune response.
It involves:
- Controlled needling of the verruca
- Encouraging the body to recognise and clear the virus
- Often used when other treatments have failed
This option is carefully selected and discussed in detail before proceeding.
Skin Surgery for Verrucas
For a small number of cases, surgical removal may be appropriate.
We are proud to be:
- One of a very small number of clinics in the UK
- One of only a handful in Scotland offering podiatric skin surgery for verrucas.
Surgery is considered when:
- Verrucas are deep and painful
- Other treatments have failed
- A definitive solution is required
This is never a first-line treatment — but it can be highly effective when carefully selected.
Other Clinical Treatments
We may also use:
- Salicylic acid preparations
- Silver nitrate or other caustic agents
- Verrutop®
- Combination approaches
These treatments are chosen based on:
- Age
- Verruca size and location
- Pain level
Previous response
Why Assessment Matters
Verrucas can look similar to:
- Corns
- Callus
- Other skin lesions
Misdiagnosis leads to ineffective treatment.
A proper podiatry assessment ensures:
- Correct diagnosis
- Appropriate treatment choice
- Avoidance of unnecessary pain or expense
- Realistic expectations
Preventing Spread & Recurrence
While verrucas are contagious, simple measures help reduce spread:
- Avoid picking or cutting at lesions
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Use footwear in communal areas
- Treat surrounding skin appropriately
We’ll advise on practical, realistic precautions — not fear-based rules.
Common Questions
Are verrucas contagious?
Yes — through direct contact, especially in moist environments.
Do home treatments work?
Sometimes, but success rates are variable and often slow.
Is SWIFT painful?
It can cause brief discomfort during application, but it is short-lived.
Can verrucas come back?
Recurrence is possible — but advanced treatments greatly reduce the risk.
Why Choose Adam Smith Podiatry and Sports Clinic?
At our Prestonpans clinic, verruca care is:
- Honest — not every verruca needs treatment
- Advanced — including SWIFT and surgery
- Suitable for children and adults
- Calm and reassuring
- Focused on comfort and outcomes
Caring for patients from Prestonpans, East Lothian, Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington, and Edinburgh.
Tired of Trying Everything?
If you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments without success — or simply want clear advice and the most effective options available — we’re here to help.
Book a verruca assessment today and take the uncertainty out of treatment.
