Verruca removal in Sheffield
Verrucas are warts on the soles of the feet, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They're very common and usually harmless, but they can be painful to walk on, hard to get rid of and easy to pass around the family. If you've tried plasters, gels and freezing sprays without success, you're not alone.
At The Sheffield Wart and Verruca Clinic, I'm Dr Harriet Smith MBChB MPH, and I offer Swift® microwave treatment for stubborn verrucas in a calm, private setting on Ecclesall Road South.
Signs it's a verruca
A hard, rough patch on the sole or toes, often with tiny black dots
Pain when you squeeze it from the sides or walk on it
Sometimes a cluster of small verrucas (a mosaic verruca)
If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet, or the spot is bleeding, changing or growing quickly, please see your GP first or tell me when you book.
How I treat verrucas
After a medical assessment, I gently file back any hard skin. Swift then delivers short, controlled bursts of microwave energy into the verruca, designed to prompt your immune system to fight the virus. There's no cutting and nothing to apply at home, and most people walk out and carry on as normal. A course of treatments a few weeks apart is usually recommended. Results vary and no treatment is guaranteed to work for everyone.
Price
Consultation £45. Single Swift session £150 (consultation fee deducted). Recommended course of 3 sessions with pre- and post-treatment consultations: £450. See all prices
Verruca FAQs
Will my verruca go away on its own?
Many verrucas do eventually clear without treatment, but this can take months or years. Treatment may be worth considering if it's painful, spreading or affecting what you can do.
Does it hurt?
You'll feel a brief, sharp heat for a couple of seconds per burst. Most people find it manageable, and it fades quickly.
Can I go swimming with a verruca?
Yes. Covering it with a waterproof plaster or wearing a verruca sock helps reduce the chance of passing it on.
How do I stop it spreading?
Don't share towels or footwear, keep feet dry, and avoid picking or scratching the verruca.
Can you treat my child's verruca?
Yes. See my children's verrucas page.