Why Won't My Verruca Go Away?

If you've had a verruca for months — or even years — you're not alone.

One of the most frustrating things about verrucae is how stubborn they can be. Many people try over-the-counter treatments, filing, freezing kits and home remedies, only to find the verruca is still there months later.

So why are some verrucae so difficult to get rid of?

What Is A Verruca?

A verruca is a type of wart caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

They usually appear on the soles of the feet and can look different from person to person.

Some are small and barely noticeable. Others become painful, especially when they're on weight-bearing areas of the foot.

Why Are Verrucae So Stubborn?

The virus sits within the skin itself.

Unlike a splinter or foreign object that can simply be removed, verrucae often persist because the body hasn't fully cleared the virus.

This is why some disappear on their own while others seem determined to stay put.

I've Tried Everything. Why Hasn't It Worked?

There isn't a single treatment that works for every verruca.

Common reasons treatments fail include:

• The verruca is deeper than it appears.

• Treatment wasn't continued for long enough.

• The area wasn't prepared correctly.

• The body's immune response hasn't fully recognised the virus.

This can make verrucae particularly frustrating for active adults who are on their feet a lot.

Can A Verruca Spread?

Yes.

The virus can spread to nearby skin, which is why some people develop multiple verrucae over time.

This doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Verrucae are extremely common and can affect people of any age.

When Should You Consider Treatment?

Many verrucae will eventually disappear without intervention.

However, people often seek treatment because:

• It's painful when walking.

• It's getting larger.

• It's spreading.

• They're fed up with it being there.

• It affects sport or exercise.

Is Cryotherapy An Option?

Cryotherapy may be suitable for some verrucae following assessment.

The aim is to trigger a response within the tissue and encourage the body to deal with the affected skin.

Some verrucae respond quickly. Others require more than one treatment session.

The Bottom Line

The biggest myth about verrucae is that if they haven't gone after a few weeks, nothing will work.

In reality, verrucae are often a patience game. The key is having the lesion assessed, understanding the options available and setting realistic expectations from the start.

Tempera Health provides assessment-led cryotherapy appointments for verrucae, common warts and skin tags across Basingstoke, Overton and surrounding Hampshire villages.