What are verrucas? Verrucas, also known as verrucae or 'plantar warts', are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Essentially, they are warts on the feet.
They may look flatter than most warts, because they get squashed in when you tread on them! They are unsightly, and can be painful.
Vaerucas can spread but are usually picked up by people who have damaged skin rather than by those with no damage.
You can banish unsightly, painful verrucas with cryosurgery (with some LLLT thrown in) Cryosurgery: more people than you might think can benefit from it! We'll look at what it is and how it can help you or your family and friends if you have persistent verrucas (verrucae).
Ridding your feet of verrucas Occurring singly or in groups, verrucas can be painful, annoying and unsightly.
Happily, many verrucae disappear of their own accord, and some can be successfully treated with salicylic acid or silver nitrate at your foot care centre.
Others, however, can be more persistent, and this is where you make friends with cryosurgery! Cryosurgery - The Facts Cryosurgery is used to treat verrucas by destroying specific cells through the precise application of extreme cold; liquid nitrogen is most commonly used.
It must only be done by a trained professional.
Unwanted cells (such as those infected with the verruca virus) are destroyed because fluid in the cells freezes and forms ice crystals which rupture the cell membranes.
It's also used for lesions, warts and skin tags.
How does cryosurgery help? The process can get rid of persistent verrucas (verrucae) by freezing and killing the cells that the virus is infecting.
It reaches far lower temperatures than over-the-counter remedies can, meaning your verruca can be properly zapped.
You may feel some slight discomfort and maybe a stinging sensation; a mild pain killer such as Paracetamol can help alleviate any discomfort.
You mentioned LLLT...
? LLLP, or low level laser therapy, safely penetrates the surface of the skin and helps promote healing of damaged tissues.
When it's used just after cryosurgery, it prevents any discomfort and helps speed up healing around the area where the verruca was.
(Its healing properties are why we also use it to treat other problems such as fungal nails or bruising.
) Is cryosurgery safe? It's not appropriate for children under 10, or if you are anaemic, on steroids or anticoagulants, or have some forms of cancer.
If you are in any doubt, get medical advice first.
How much does cryosurgery treatment cost? One treatment is usually enough to get rid of your verruca, though occasionally more treatments are required.
Prices vary: expect to pay £60-£100 for the treatment plus one follow up session, and £10-£20 for any subsequent session.