As a parent, it can be worrying when your child develops a strange lump or bump on their foot, especially if it starts to cause them discomfort. Verrucas in children are a common issue that we frequently treat in our clinic. They can be a nuisance, but with the right treatment and care, they don’t have to be a long-term problem. At Surrey Foot Service, we have extensive experience in treating verrucas in children, ensuring they get back to their happy, active selves as quickly as possible.

What Is a Verruca?

A verruca is a type of wart that appears on the sole of the foot. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. This can also happen when the skin is wet as it is more porous and more susceptible to the virus.  Verrucas are easily identifiable due to their rough, cauliflower-like appearance and the small black dots often found within them. They can become painful, especially when pressure is applied to the foot while walking or standing.

Children are particularly prone to verrucas because their immune systems are still developing, making it easier for them to pick up the virus in places like swimming pools, communal showers, or sports halls. If your child swims frequently or goes barefoot in public places, these environments can increase the chances of exposure to HPV.

When Should You Seek Verruca Treatment?

Not all verrucas require treatment, as some will disappear on their own as the body’s immune system fights off the virus. However, if your child’s verruca is causing pain, spreading, or has persisted for several months, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a podiatrist.

At Surrey Foot Service, we treat every child as an individual and we tailor treatments to each child’s age, medical history, and activity levels, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable during their appointment.

Verruca Treatment Options at Surrey Foot Service

We offer a variety of verruca treatment options based on the severity and duration of the infection. Here are the most effective methods we use:

• Swift® Microwave Therapy – This innovative treatment offers fantastic results! Treatments arespaced 4 weeks apart and depending on the severity of the verruca, will define how many sessions will be required. Swift® has short treatment times and doesn’t break down the skin’s protective layer, making it an effective way to treat verrucas. Learn more here about Swift® therapy here.
• Verrutop – This is a topical solution providing painless treatment of verrucae that is highly effective in just a few applications, using a Nitrizinc Complex. Once applied to the verruca, it produces a painless mummification of the damaged tissue that causes it to detach automatically as healthy skin forms. No dressings are required following application and it does not interfere with your daily routine.
• Cryotherapy – We use the Cryopen X system, which delivers nitrous oxide at -89°C to freeze the verruca effectively, reducing the risk of blistering or scarring. This freezing process breaks the cell membrane, prompting the body’s immune system to repair the skin and detect the HPV infection.
• Verruca Needling – This soft tissue therapy breaks down the verruca and creates a controlled inflammatory response, encouraging the body’s immune system to recognise the virus and destroy it. Unlike most treatments, needling typically requires only one session, or occasionally two. Your child can shower as normal 24 hours after treatment.

How to Prevent Verrucas in Children

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few tips to help your child avoid verrucas:

• Ensure they wear flip-flops or pool shoes in communal areas like swimming pools and changing rooms.
• Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
• Encourage them not to share towels, socks, or shoes with others.

Concerned About Your Child’s Verruca?

We are here to help! If you’ve noticed a suspicious bump on your child’s foot, or if they’re experiencing pain when walking, why not book an appointment here.

If you have any worries or concerns about your child’s feet, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Rebecca, our specialist paediatric podiatrist. Whether it’s verruca’s, other foot conditions, or just general advice, Rebecca is here to provide expert care and support for your little one’s foot health.