Verruca Needling: An Effective Treatment for Stubborn Verruca & Warts
Frustrated with persistent verrucas that just won’t go away?
Verruca needling may be the solution you’ve been searching for. This minimally invasive technique offers a promising approach to tackling those stubborn verrucas that haven’t responded to other treatments.
What are Verrucas?
Verrucas, also known as plantar warts, are small, hard growths that appear on the soles of the feet. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks. While often harmless, verrucas can be painful and unsightly.
How Does Needling Work?
Needling involves using a sterile needle to puncture the verruca multiple times. This creates a controlled injury that stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the HPV infection.
The Needling Procedure:
- Local Anesthetic: The area is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort.
- Skin Preparation: Any overlying hard skin is carefully removed, and the area is cleansed.
- Needling: A sterile needle is used to make multiple tiny punctures in the verruca.
- Dressing: A light dressing and protective padding are applied to the area.
Aftercare:
- Pain Relief: If needed, you can take paracetamol for pain relief.
- Avoid Anti-inflammatories: It’s advisable to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) for 48 hours after the procedure to allow the inflammatory response to work effectively.
- Keep the Area Dry: The dressing should be kept dry for 24 hours.
Is Needling Effective?
- Promising Results: Studies have shown that needling can achieve complete resolution of verrucas in a significant number of cases.
- Research Support: A 2013 study by Longhurst and Bristow demonstrated a 69% complete resolution rate after needling.
Benefits of Needling:
- Minimally Invasive: Compared to surgical options, needling is less invasive and has a quicker recovery time.
- Effective for Resistant Verrucas: Needling can be particularly helpful for verrucas that haven’t responded to other treatments.
- Minimal Scarring: The risk of scarring is low.
Are There Any Risks?
- Minor Discomfort: Some discomfort during and after the procedure is normal.
- Infection: There’s a small risk of infection, which can be minimized with proper hygiene and aftercare.
- Recurrence: In some cases, verrucas may recur, requiring further treatment.
Contact Us:
If you’re struggling with stubborn verrucas, contact us today to learn more about verruca needling and how it can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
