Many treatments are available for plantar warts. However, it’s important to know that no single treatment is 100 per cent effective. In individuals with a weakened immune system, it may take more time to get rid of the verruca.

Chemical treatments

Salicylic acid: Among the many topical treatments available, the most effective are the ones containing salicylic acid. In order to improve the effectiveness of salicylic acid, it’s important to file down the wart with a disposable foot file before applying the treatment. Soaking the verruca in warm water for at least 5 minutes will soften it and improve the efficacy of treatment, which should applied daily, for at least 10 -12 weeks. There are many different strengths of salicylic acid available in pharmacies. A 50% salicylic acid preparation is generally sufficient.

Cryotherapy: A trained nurse, doctor or podiatrist can apply liquid nitrogen to the verruca in order to freeze and destroy the affected skin cells. Typically, it may take more than one application for the verruca to resolve. However some plantar warts may resist even after three applications.

Home remedies for plantar warts or verrucas

Duct tape: In a 2002 research article, involving 51 patients and published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (USA), it was suggested that duct tape is 85 per cent effective in removing verrucas.

Cut a small piece of duct tape and stick it on the verruca. Leave it on for six days and on the seventh day, remove the duct tape, soak the verruca to soften it, and gently rub away any dead cells with a disposable foot file. Leave the duct tape OFF overnight, then repeat the cycle. Results may be seen after about four weeks, but you can continue the treatment for up to eight weeks.

Oils: Thuja oil, lemon oil and tea tree oil have also been claimed to be effective in removing verrucas. However, no research trials have been done to back these claims.

• Do not share towels, shoes or socks or similar items with someone who has a verruca.
• Do not scratch your verruca because it will encourage the HPV to spread to other parts of your foot and body.
• Keep your feet dry, change your socks every day and otherwise maintain good foot hygiene.
• If you have a verruca, cover it up with a waterproof plaster or anti-verruca guard sock when taking part in communal activities, such as swimming.

Page 1 - Causes of plantar warts (verrucas)

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