How do you catch a verruca?

The virus thrives in warm, damp environments—think swimming pools, communal showers, and gym changing rooms. You can contract a verruca simply by walking across a floor previously used by an infected person. Small, often invisible nicks or scratches on your feet make it easier for the virus to enter the skin.

Who is most at risk?

Verrucae are most common in children and teenagers, largely due to frequent use of communal facilities. While some people develop a natural immunity over time, many remain susceptible.

How to identify a verruca

Look for these common signs:

• A small, “cauliflower-like” growth on the sole of the foot.
• Tiny black dots (these are small, clotted blood vessels).
• Pinch pain: Verrucae are often more painful when squeezed (like a spot) than when pressed directly.
• They can appear individually or in “mosaic” clusters.

Are they serious?

While generally harmless, verrucae can become very painful if they develop on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot. Commonly, the body produces hard skin (callus) over the wart, which increases the pressure and discomfort.

Verruca treatment options at Foot Pain Centres of Leeds

If your verruca(e) is painful, spreading, or unsightly, we offer several professional treatments.

Professional Strength Acids: Stronger and more effective than over-the-counter pharmacy kits.

Effective treatment for persistent verrucae

If you have a painful or stubborn verruca that has failed to respond to over-the-counter treatments, verrucae needling may be an effective solution.

At Foot Pain Centres of Leeds, our specialist Podiatrists provide advanced verruca treatments, including Falknor’s Needling, for patients throughout Leeds and Yorkshire. This procedure is often recommended for verrucae that have been present for months or years and have not responded to traditional treatments.

What is verrucae needling?

Verrucae needling, also known as Falknor’s Needling, is a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic.

The aim is not simply to destroy the verruca but to stimulate your immune system to recognise and eliminate the HPV virus.

During the procedure:

• The foot is fully numbed using local anaesthetic.
• The verruca is punctured multiple times with a sterile needle.
• Viral particles are introduced into deeper tissues.
• This triggers an immune response against the virus.
• The body then works to clear the verruca naturally.

In many cases, untreated verrucae elsewhere on the foot may also resolve following treatment.

Benefits of verrucae needling

High Success Rates

Needling can be highly effective for persistent verrucae that have not responded to conventional treatments.

Single Treatment Session

Many patients only require one procedure.

Treats the Underlying Virus

Rather than simply removing skin, needling encourages the immune system to target the viral infection.

Suitable for Resistant Verrucae

Often recommended when acids, cryotherapy or other treatments have failed.

May Clear Multiple Verrucae

Stimulating the immune system can sometimes lead to resolution of other untreated verrucae.

Who is suitable for verrucae needling?

You may be suitable if you have:

• Long-standing verrucae.
• Painful plantar verrucae.
• Multiple verrucae.
• Mosaic verrucae.
• Previous treatment failure.
• Verrucae affecting work, sport or everyday activities.

A thorough assessment is carried out to determine whether needling is the most appropriate treatment.

What happens during treatment?

Initial Assessment

Your Podiatrist will assess:

• The size and location of the verruca.
• Previous treatments.
• Medical history.
• Suitability for local anaesthetic.

Procedure

The procedure typically takes around 30–45 minutes.

Aftercare

Following treatment:

• Mild discomfort is expected for a few days.
• Normal walking is usually possible immediately.
• The foot should be kept clean and dry.
• High-impact activities may need to be avoided temporarily.

How successful is verrucae needling?

Clinical studies have demonstrated good success rates, particularly for long-standing and treatment-resistant verrucae.

Success depends on:

• Duration of the verruca.
• Number of lesions present.
• Overall health and immune function.
• Compliance with aftercare advice.

No treatment can guarantee complete clearance, but needling is considered one of the most effective options for stubborn verrucae.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is verrucae needling painful?

No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb during treatment.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to normal daily activities within 24–48 hours.

Will the verruca disappear immediately?

No. The body’s immune response develops gradually, and improvement is usually seen over several weeks or months.

Can children have verrucae needling?

This depends on age, suitability and ability to tolerate local anaesthetic. Assessment is required.

Are there alternatives to needling?

Yes. Depending on the verruca, options include a surgical excision.

Surgical excision under local anaesthetic

Prevention Tips

• Wear Flip-Flops: Always use footwear in communal changing rooms and showers.
• Don’t Share: Avoid sharing towels, shoes, or socks.
• Dry Thoroughly: Ensure feet are dry after washing, especially between the toes.
• Use Verruca Socks: If you have an active verruca, wear a waterproof sock while swimming to protect others.

Why choose Foot Pain Centres of Leeds?

Specialist Podiatry Team

We focus exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle and lower limb conditions.

Advanced Verruca Treatments

We offer a range of evidence-based treatments and will recommend the most appropriate option for your individual circumstances.

Comprehensive Assessment

We investigate the underlying factors affecting healing and provide personalised treatment plans.

Convenient Leeds Clinics

Appointments are available at our Leeds locations with easy access and parking.