Verrucae

Verrucae are warty growths, which occur on the skin surface. They are caused by the Papilloma virus.

There are many options for treatment of Verrucae, although all will spontaneously resolve eventually if left untreated.

However, persistent painful lesions may require treatment.

Conservatively, Verrucae can be treated with over the counter preparations. You should try the home remedies for at least six months for best results.

If the Verrucae are painful, you may wish to seek treatment. The options available are:

• Cryosurgery – this involves freezing the lesion at an out patient appointment.

• Electrosurgery – again an outpatient appointment to burn the lesion.

• Surgical excision – This involves excising the lesion under a local anaesthetic and either stitching the incision together or if the lesion is large it may be beneficial to leave the incision open and allow it to heal by secondary intention.

Even after excision of a verruca there is a recurrence rate of about 30%.