How to treat a verruca.
Effective, Tailored Treatment for Painful or Persistent Verrucae in London
Verrucae can be frustrating. Some resolve on their own, while others persist despite multiple treatments.
At Ratna Podiatry, we take a tailored, evidence-based approach, because there is no single “best” treatment for everyone.
Do you need verruca treatment?
Not always.
Some don’t need treatment at all.
We usually recommend treatment if your verruca is:
painful (especially when walking or playing sport)
spreading or increasing in number
persistent
affecting confidence or daily activity
If it’s not causing problems, keeping an eye on it may be the most appropriate option.
So how do verruca treatments actually work?
One of the most important things to understand is this:
👉 Most verruca treatments don’t “remove” the verruca instantly.
Instead, they work by:
disrupting the infected skin
changing the local environment
stimulating your immune system to recognise and clear the virus
This is why treatment often requires consistency and time.
What are the verruca treatment options?
There are a lot!
Your treatment plan will depend on:
the type and size of the verruca
its location (e.g. painful big toe lesions)
your age and general health
your lifestyle and activity level
previous treatments
Below, we talk about the main ones we advise.
Chemical Treatment (Acid Therapy)
A targeted treatment using medical-grade acids.
How it works:
breaks down infected skin tissue
encourages local immune response
Best for:
many common verrucae
patients happy with gradual treatment
What to expect:
applied in clinic and/or at home
regular appointments required
mild to moderate discomfort possible
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the verruca.
How it works:
destroys infected tissue
triggers healing response
Best for:
smaller or newer verrucae
What to expect:
short, intense cold sensation
possible blistering afterwards
minimal aftercare required
Verruca Needling
A minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic.
How it works:
stimulates a strong immune response
helps the body recognise and clear the virus
Best for:
stubborn or long-standing verrucae
What to expect:
numb during the procedure
mild discomfort for a few days
follow-up to monitor progress
Swift Microwave Therapy
An advanced treatment using microwave energy.
How it works:
heats the tissue
stimulates immune response within the skin
Best for:
resistant or multiple verrucae
What to expect:
short bursts of discomfort during treatment
no dressings required
normal activities can continue
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
A gentle, pain-free treatment option.
How it works:
supports healing
stimulates local immune activity
Best for:
children or sensitive patients
those wanting a non-invasive option
What to expect:
completely painless
no downtime
often used alongside other treatments
So which treatment is right for you?
It depends. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
To begin we have an assessment appointment and during your appointment, we will:
confirm the diagnosis
assess your verruca properly
discuss your options clearly
recommend the most appropriate plan
It is important to know that:
There is no guaranteed instant cure
Some verrucae require multiple treatments
Occasionally, verrucae can recur
Treatment may need to be adjusted over time
The aim is always to support your body in clearing the virus effectively.
And we are there to support you with this.
Ready to get started?
Book a verruca assessment with us today.
If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, or your verruca is becoming painful or persistent, we’re here to help.
We’ll assess the lesion, explain what’s going on, and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment, without unnecessary or ineffective options.