Verruca Needling (Falknor’s Technique)

Needling is the use of a needle to pierce the verrucae & wart lesions multiple to create a cellular response and inflammatory response at the site of the lesion.

When there are multiple lesions the primary and largest are targeted.

This procedure is completed under local anaesthesia.

Once the area is numb, any overlying hard skin is reduced. The area is cleansed, a needle is used to pierce the verrucae, this is repeated over and over to the lesion. Once completed a light dressing is applied with a deflective pad which needs to remain in place and dry for 24hours.

After the procedure, if painkiller is needed paracetamol can be taken.

It is advisable to avoid taking NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) or other anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours to increase the likelihood of a successful controlled inflammatory response.

• Recurrence- Currently, there is no data to provide statistics for recurrence rates.
• Infection- Infection rates have not been reported or seen clinically, advice will be provided on how to look after the area.
• Scarring or thickened skin- Again this has not been reported, but if you have experienced thickened, hypertrophic or keloid scarring let us know.

Complications following foot surgery are rare but can occur. Management of a complication can be varied to include medication, therapy and on occasion further surgery. Most complications resolve without permanent disability or pain however some complications can have long term implications and the desired outcome may not be achieved.