Are you annoyed by Warts and Verruca? This is the time of year I start seeing more of them in clinic, and there’s a good reason for it. When the weather warms up, we’re all more likely to go barefoot – at the pool, in the garden, at the beach, or even just padding around the house. This increases the risk of picking up the virus that causes warts and verrucae, especially in communal areas like swimming pools, gyms, and changing rooms. Warm, damp environments are their absolute favourite!
Plus, in summer, we tend to notice them more – feet are out in sandals, flip-flops, and open shoes, so those lumpy, bumpy little guests suddenly get a lot more attention. And if you’re planning a holiday or simply want to feel confident showing off your feet again, it’s the perfect time to get them sorted.
Warts are small, rough lumps on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re usually harmless but highly contagious and love to make themselves at home on hands, feet, and fingers. Verrucas are basically warts that appear on the soles of your feet (plantar warts) and often have a black dot in the centre – that’s a clotted blood vessel, not dirt!
The short answer: Anyone! But they’re especially common in children, teens, and people with lowered immune systems. You’re more likely to pick one up in communal areas like swimming pools, gyms, or changing rooms – anywhere you might walk around barefoot.
Physically, they can cause discomfort or pain, especially verrucas, thanks to the pressure of walking. But emotionally, they can also cause embarrassment or self-consciousness. I’ve had clients avoid sandals in summer or feel uncomfortable holding hands with their kids. You’re not alone if you’ve felt that way!
To a point yes! Here are a few simple tips:
But even with the best intentions, they can still sneak through and when they do, I’ve got two brilliant options to treat them.
This is one of the most effective options for stubborn or painful warts/verrucas. The LP YAG laser works by sending a focused beam of light into the lesion, which heats and destroys the tiny blood vessels feeding the wart. Without its blood supply, the wart begins to shrink and eventually disappears as your body clears the dead tissue.
Treatments are typically spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Most people need between 1–3 sessions depending on the size, depth, and how long the wart or verruca has been there.
This method uses a fine probe and a low current to cauterise the blood supply and break down the wart tissue. It’s a brilliant option for those with smaller lesions or those who prefer a non-laser approach. It works well on both hands and feet, and the precision of this technique means it’s great for those fiddly or awkward areas.
Electrolysis treatments can also be done every 4–6 weeks. Like laser, a course of a few sessions may be needed, depending on the individual wart.
Sometimes, the most effective results come from alternating between laser and electrolysis. Each method works in a slightly different way, and by combining them, we can really attack the virus from all angles. I’ll always tailor your treatment plan based on your skin, your comfort, and how the wart is responding. No two clients are the same, and your treatment won’t be either.
First treatment: £90
Follow-up treatments: £60
This is a great time to get started, especially before your summer holiday or back-to-school season.
After your treatment, it’s important to care for the area properly to help the healing process and avoid spreading the virus further:
If you have any concerns after your treatment, I’m just a message away.
While professional treatment is the fastest and most effective way to get rid of warts and verrucas, a little home support between appointments can really help:
✅ Exfoliate gently once healed using a foot file or pumice stone
✅ Use an antiviral wart gel or pad if advised
✅ Keep feet dry and change socks often
✅ Apply apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil (with caution and only on intact skin!)—some people find mild success
❌ Avoid over-the-counter acids that damage healthy skin—these can interfere with the professional treatment
✅ Support your immune system: good nutrition, rest, and hydration help your body fight the virus from within
If you’re done battling with over-the-counter remedies, duct tape, or freezing kits from the pharmacy that just don’t cut it, book in for a consultation. We’ll take a good look, talk through your options, and get started on a treatment plan that works for you.
Life’s too short for uncomfortable feet or hiding your hands. Let’s get you feeling confident and wart-free again.
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