A verruca, also known as a plantar wart, is a viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that commonly affects the bottom of the feet. Verrucas often appear as small, rough, cauliflower-like growths on the skin and may have tiny black dots within them. They can be painful, especially when walking or standing, as they can grow inward and press on nerve endings.

Treatment for verrucas can vary depending on the severity and location of the wart and may take time to complete disappear, it all depends on the how deep the verruca is and how good your immune system is. 

A podiatrist may use a combination of techniques, including a scalpel and acid, to treat a verruca (plantar wart) effectively. Here's how this method is typically performed:

1. Debridement with a scalpel: Debridement involves the removal of dead or damaged tissue from the surface of the verruca using a surgical scalpel. The podiatrist carefully trims away the outer layers of the verruca, including any thickened skin or calluses that may have formed over it. This helps expose the underlying wart tissue and makes it more accessible for treatment. Debridement can also help reduce the size of the verruca and alleviate discomfort associated with pressure or friction.
2. Application of acid (usually salicylic acid): After debriding the verruca, the podiatrist may apply a topical treatment containing salicylic acid directly to the exposed wart tissue. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that works by breaking down the protein structure of the verruca, causing it to gradually disintegrate and slough off over time. This treatment helps to further reduce the size and thickness of the verruca and encourages healing of the surrounding skin.

The combination of debridement with a scalpel and the application of acid is a common and effective approach to treating verrucas. Debridement helps to physically reduce the size of the verruca and remove any dead tissue, while the acid treatment targets the underlying wart tissue and promotes its breakdown and removal. This dual-action approach can help accelerate the resolution of the verruca and minimise the risk of recurrence.

The podiatrist or chiropodist will assess the size, location, and severity of the verruca and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on the individual patient's needs and preferences. Additionally, the podiatrist will provide instructions for post-treatment care and follow-up to ensure optimal healing and resolution of the verruca.

When you have a verruca (plantar wart), it's essential to take certain precautions to prevent spreading the virus, alleviate discomfort, and facilitate healing. Here are some dos and don'ts to consider:

Dos:

1. Keep the verruca clean and dry: Wash the affected area with soap and water regularly to prevent infection and promote healing. Dry the area thoroughly after washing to avoid moisture buildup, which can exacerbate the verruca.
2. Cover the verruca: Use a bandage or waterproof plaster to cover the verruca, especially if it's in an area prone to friction or pressure. This can help protect the verruca from further irritation and prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body or to other people.
3. Wear clean socks and shoes: Change your socks daily and avoid wearing the same pair of shoes every day to minimize the risk of reinfection. Choose shoes made of breathable materials and avoid tight-fitting or uncomfortable footwear that may aggravate the verruca.
4. Practice good hygiene: Avoid touching or picking at the verruca to prevent spreading the virus to other areas of your body or to other people. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the verruca or applying treatments to reduce the risk of transmission.
5. Boost your immune system: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, ensure you have adequate Vitamin D3 and getting enough sleep. A strong immune system can help your body fight off the virus and facilitate faster healing.

Don'ts:

1. Don't ignore the verruca: While verrucas may resolve on their own over time, ignoring them can lead to discomfort, pain, and potential spread of the virus. It's essential to take proactive steps to treat and manage the verruca to prevent complications.
2. Don't share personal items: Avoid sharing socks, shoes, towels, or other personal items with others, as this can increase the risk of spreading the virus. Wash and disinfect any items that come into contact with the verruca to prevent transmission.
3. Don't try to remove the verruca yourself: Avoid attempting to remove the verruca by cutting, picking, or scraping it off, as this can lead to infection, scarring, and further spread of the virus. Leave verruca removal to healthcare professionals who can safely and effectively treat the condition.
4. Don't walk barefoot in public areas: Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and gym showers, as these environments are breeding grounds for the virus that causes verrucas. Wear flip-flops or waterproof sandals to protect your feet from exposure.
5. Don't ignore signs of infection: If the verruca becomes red, swollen, or painful, or if you notice pus or drainage, seek medical attention promptly. These may be signs of infection that require medical treatment to prevent complications.

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