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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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
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
- A caring and professional service backed up by experience. I had tried every over the counter cure and a few dodgy ones from the internet for my persistent verucca with no luck. Jonathan brought all of his extensive knowledge to bear and now it is gone. I felt confident that my best interests were at the heart of any treatments and that I was in safe, professional hands at all times. Highly recommended.
Evelyn Baxter
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
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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
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
Knowing Jonathan as a fellow podiatrist. He has a special gift in delivering information and motivating people, which is amazing. I have attended a number of his courses and talks, where he shares his knowledge and skills. An inspirational podiatrist! 
Lynda Cowan
- My 15 year old son had an ingrown toenail which was very painful. We were able to see Jonathan very quickly who explained everything really clearly, he advised minor surgery to remove part of the nail and said he could do the procedure there and then. The procedure was carried out professionally and with every care for my son. I would highly recommend Jonathan and his clinic. Excellent aftercare also. Thanks so much.
Karen Grant
After knee surgery I experienced ankle problems, a couple of visits to Jonathan has sorted the problem out. Thank you. 
Judith Mary
- 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
It was nice to be greeted by pleasant and friendly reception/admin staff.
Johnathan (the podiatrist) was very professional and he was very willing to share his knowledge.
The pain in my foot was laser treated and on the last treatment it was manipulated which was amazing.
I would highly recommend Johnathan.
Ann 
Ann Maria
- Excellent well informed professional service. Treatment options discussed, and every effort made to deliver appropriate care promptly.
Thank you to Jonathan and the team.
Carol Brewer
As a foot heath practitioner who has recently attended one of Jonathan’s talks I would refer my patients on to him without reservation should they need specialist input. His lectures are interesting, informative and motivating. I have crossed his path at numerous events where I have listened to him. He instills confidence. 
Liza Clarke
- Highly recommend this practice. Jonathan and his team are extremely professional and friendly. As a cancer patient I was anxious to find a podiatrist whom I could trust completely. Jonathan took time to fully understand my medical situation and on-going difficulty with my toes. He was proactive in communicating with my Oncologist and the required nail surgery took place 2 days after my initial appointment. Everything was carefully explained and skilfully carried out. I am one very satisfied customer!
Angela Terry
Specialist podiatry advice from a highly skilled professional - bridging the gap between podiatry and physio. 
Jo Webb
- 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 have received first class treatment and my foot is feeling less painful especially after the
laser treatment I had on it. 
Mary Richardson
- rapid appointment when I needed it and first class service. surgery went very well and recovery so far good with no pain. recommended without reservation.
Jenny
Jenny Wootton
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