Verrucae

What are they?

A verruca is a small growth that forms on the skin caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Most people will get them at some point in their lives and it may take months or even years for them to disappear. They can be irritating, itchy or in some cases painful. 

Verruca’s are usually harmless and will go away by themselves. In children, approximately 50% disappear within a year and 66% within 2 years. It may take longer for verrucae to clear up in adults – in some cases, 10 years.

What can I do for you?

There are many different ways to treat a verruca, none of which are guaranteed to work. Often, leaving warts is the best option, especially for children, as some treatments can be time-consuming, painful and cause side-effects.  You may want to have warts treated if they become painful, unsightly or don’t go away.