What is a verruca?
Foot warts (verrucae) are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) of which there are more than 150 different types. However there are generally only 4 main types that affect the feet and each one differs in size, pain, and appearance.
They are non-cancerous and can occur on either weightbearing (where they are often “pushed” into the skin) or non-weightbearing (where they often protrude out from the skin) parts of the foot. Despite popular belief, they do not have “roots” nor do they necessarily have “black dots” which are just dried spots of blood that can appear in verruca tissue. Frequently they are associated with hardening of the skin which can be a cause of discomfort.
Public understanding of viruses has come a long way due to Covid-19, including the acceptance that there is no quick fix for viral infections and that different people experience different severity of symptoms and different treatment effectiveness. This is the same for verrucae and their treatments.
Verruca Treatment In Southam, Warwickshire
There is a wide variety of treatments available for verrucae, but nothing is 100% effective in all cases. At our clinic we take our time to understand our patient’s wants, needs, and expectations so that they have all the appropriate information required to make an informed decision about any treatment option. This includes for parents of any children who present with verrucae. Note that not all treatment options will be suitable for all patients, and that certain corns & skin cancers can look like verrucas and vica versa. So getting a professional diagnosis and suitable treatment plan from all of the options below is very important:
*Tincture of time
*Occlusive taping
Weak acids typically sold over the counter
*Stronger acids
*Verrutop
Imiquimod
*Cryospray
Liquid nitrogen
*Falknor’s needling
*Laser therapy
Electrosurgery / Hyfrecation
Surgical excision
*The starred options are the ones that we currently have available for patients. Very few (if any) are available on the NHS.
How do we contract and prevent verrucas?
It used to be thought that moisture played an important role in the spread of verrucae eg at swimming pools. However we now know that infection occurs when there has been microtrauma to the skin barrier that allows entry of the human papillomavirus (HPV) either from direct contact with viral particles (from another verruca) or indirectly from surfaces such as footwear, flooring, towels etc.
The HPV can survive several months or even years on such surfaces, and there can be an incubation period of 1-20 months before the virus becomes established in skin cells. As such it makes it quite difficult to prevent the spread of verrucae as microtrauma of our skin occurs all the time, especially when we are barefoot.
Whilst there is no real evidence that good foot hygiene can help prevent the spread of verrucae, it makes sense to keep our feet in as good condition as possible through regular washing and drying (including between the toes). Wearing footwear appropriate to the demands placed on our feet is also good advice.
So if you have a verruca that you would like advice on a possible treatment, make an appointment with a clinic that offers a range of treatment options and has high levels of success.
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if you have any worries about your feet then this is the place to go. First class service.i was given Jonathan's details after a foot opperation went wrong he has really helped me and made it now that I can get back to my normal life. thank you guys !!!
Carolyn Clayton
Everything you can think of is available here! 
Jane Vaughan
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I've been going to Health First for 10+ years. Both Jonathan and Judy are excellent Foot Doctors with specialisms to help with quirky problems. The reception staff have always been lovely. I have the wax treatment which is both relaxing and really helps my feet
Maria Lucas
I was recommended to go and see Jonathan from an excellent local pilates instructor who I trust implicitly, so I knew that the recommendation didn't come lightly. I was not disappointed. Jonathan has been attentive, professional, knowledgeable and provided a very considered solution to my plantar fasciitis. His team are always friendly and helpful - even when I got stuck in traffic and missed my appointment! Highly recommend!
Clare Price
- Last night I attended a talk by Jonathan on diabetes. What an amazing resource of knowledge the local NHS has lost by no longer employing him. But thankfully we still have his private practice in Warwickshire and I will be referring all my diabetic patients to find out their level of risk. Thanks Jonathan for a very interesting evening you should do more talks to spread the word about diabetes to other FHPs.
Chris Nock
Jonathan Small has been treating me for a range of foot and gait problems for a number of
Years including plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuromas and joint hypermobility. As well as physical
Treatment he has supplied me with various orthotics which have really helped me keep
Mobile and reasonably fit. I am undergoing treatment at the moment and I fully expect that
Jonathan will be as successful as he has been in the past. All the staff at Health First are
Friendly and helpful. 
Pam Alexander
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Excellent service. I am so pleased with the help, advice and treatment recieved. Many thanks
Jackie Dewdney
Jonathan is great - passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated to getting people’s foot problems sorted.
I had the pleasure of helping him recently with promotion material for a podshealheels and he delivered a superb lecture to a group of patients and professionals. 
Dave James
- I have had persistent pain with my toenails for years, but did not know the cause of the problem.
Previous visits to a different podiatrist left me with no answers! After researching local podiatrists I found that Health First came highly recommended.
Mr Small quickly found out the cause of my problem and recommended the best treatment options.
The staff were all very friendly and made me feel welcome. All very professional.
I cannot recommend them enough to anyone! Will be going back for my follow up treatment in the new year.
Millie Hefferan
I was suffering with quite a complicated situation, both plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon insertion and they required different treatment. Johnathon expertly explained how he was going to deal with the problem and glad to say that after an intensive course of treatment things have improved. 
Di Griffin-Bloxham
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A great practice. Have been using for the past 5 years and always have excellent service. Very friendly and helpful staff. My feet are in great shape
Emily Harris
100% recommendation. I walked in with significant foot pain and walked out strapped up and reasonably pain free. The initial consultation was delivered with expert knowledge, professionalism and clearly explained diagnosis and treatment plan.
I had attended another foot clinic for a diagnosis but my instinct told me to walk away and consider their treatment proposal and seek another opinion. I felt disappointed that I had no immediate temporary solution to reduce constant foot pain..
I was then recommended to contact Jonathan and the rest is history. His manner and professionalism exceeds, not only am I working towards pain free walking I know I have the confidence in approaching a clear expert. Thank you Jonathan and your team. I have already recommended. 
Helen Keast
- I can so recommend this company, their treatments and advice were exemplary and I was made to feel so relaxed and looked after from beginning to end
Jackie King
Had a fantastic day observing in clinic yesterday!
Jonathan AMAZED me with his extensive knowledge, he was very supportive & I learnt so much just in 1 day!
I admire Jonathans determination & drive to help his patients resolve any issues they may have & I hope to follow in his footsteps once I graduate from university.
Thanks again for the opportunity your useful and excellent advice will always remain with me.
Faye 🙂 
Faye Green
- Thank you Jonathan for inviting me along to your Dynamic & Disasters of The Diabetic Foot seminar and thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. For anyone who has been diagnosed as diabetic I would urge you to visit Jonathan for a comprehensive diabetic foot assessment. You only have one pair of feet so treat them with respect and they will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with you on our quest to treat and educate on foot health. Kind regards - Debbie Hewitt, Foot Health Practitioner (Rugby)
Debbie Hewitt
I’ve known Jonathan for quite some time as we share the same passion for feet. Experienced, knowledgeable and motivated. I have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone in his local area. 
Faye At
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Excellent treatments fully recommend. Jonathon is very professional and knows what he is doing. Very experienced and takes into account your needs. I am currently relaxing with a hot wax treatment.
Valerie Jukes
Friendly efficient service. Jonathan is very professional and ensured treatments were booked conveniently and were conducted brilliantly. Solved my verucca after many years of unsuccessful home remedies. 
Sarah Wilson
- Jonathan is very helpful and knowledgeable, he has looked after my feet over the years and I trust him completely. He is always polite, kind and considerate
Tracey Bianciardi
I experienced a very accurate diagnosis. Treatment was good and the pain is easing very nicely. Greeted by a pleasant lady on reception and advised of the need to follow PPE. Met with Jonathan who is very friendly and professional just as you would expect. Highly recommend him to help solve your feet/foot problems. 
John Dewar