Private Warts and Verruca Removal in Bournemouth and Poole

A wart is a small, rough growth on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are extremely common and can affect people of all ages. Warts typically have a rough, raised surface and are most commonly found on the hands and fingers, though they can develop on almost any part of the body. They are benign and harmless but can be persistent, uncomfortable and for many people a source of embarrassment.

A verruca is simply a wart that develops on the sole of the foot. Also known as a plantar wart, it is caused by the same HPV virus as warts elsewhere on the body, but because of the pressure from standing and walking, verrucas are typically flattened rather than raised. They often have a hard, white or yellowish surface with a small dark centre, which is a tiny blood vessel. They can be painful underfoot, particularly when walking or standing for long periods.

Verrucas typically appear as small, flat, round areas of hard skin on the sole of the foot. They are usually white or yellowish with a rough surface and may have one or more tiny black dots at the centre, which are small blood vessels. They can occur singly or in clusters, known as mosaic warts. When they first develop they may be easy to mistake for a corn or callus, though unlike a corn a verruca will have the distinctive black dot pattern and will feel painful if squeezed from the sides rather than pressed directly.

Warts and verrucas are both caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are many different strains. The virus infects the top layer of skin and causes cells to multiply rapidly, producing the characteristic growth. HPV thrives in warm, moist environments and is most commonly picked up through direct skin contact or from contaminated surfaces such as swimming pool floors, changing room floors and shared towels. Small cuts or breaks in the skin make infection more likely.

Yes. Warts and verrucas are contagious and can spread both to other people and to other parts of your own body. The virus is passed through direct skin contact or via contaminated surfaces. The risk of spreading is higher in warm, wet environments such as swimming pools and communal changing areas. Covering warts and verrucas, avoiding sharing towels and wearing flip flops in communal areas can help to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

You can swim with a verruca but steps should be taken to reduce the risk of spreading it to others. Covering the verruca with a waterproof plaster before entering the water and wearing verruca socks where possible will help. Avoid walking barefoot on poolsides and in changing rooms. Some swimming facilities have their own guidance on this, so it is worth checking before you go.

Warts and verrucas can last anywhere from a few months to several years. In some cases the immune system will eventually clear the virus and the wart will disappear on its own, but this process can be slow and is not guaranteed. Without treatment, many warts and verrucas persist indefinitely, and some will grow larger or spread over time. Professional removal is the most reliable way to get rid of them quickly and effectively.

As a verruca begins to resolve, either through treatment or naturally, it will typically change in appearance. The black dots at the centre may disappear, the surrounding skin will start to look more normal, and the growth will begin to shrink and flatten. The surface may become smoother and less distinct. Complete resolution is confirmed when the normal skin lines and texture return across the area where the verruca was.

The cost of wart and verruca removal at Haven Medical will depend on the number and size of the growths being treated. Pricing is confirmed at your initial consultation. Please contact us or book an appointment at our Canford Cliffs clinic to find out more.