Private verruca removal in London

Warts are an infection of the skin caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). When this virus invades our skin it causes rapid growth of the cells on the outer layer of skin – known as keratin. This extra keratin is what causes the small, rough texture of the wart.

Warts are highly infectious and spread easily through skin-to-skin contact, or indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces, in places like swimming pools, or through sharing towels or clothes. After being infected it may take many weeks or months before the wart appears on your skin.

Warts have a natural lifespan and usually disappear after a few years, but sometimes they stay for many years. They're harmless and in most cases the best option may be to leave them alone. But you may find that gently paring them down with a pumice stone or emery board after bathing or showering may keep them flatter against the skin.

If the wart is painful or causing discomfort then you may prefer to treat them. The most common approach is an acidic treatment that thins and loosens the outer layers of the wart. These usually come in the form of plasters or lotions that you can buy over the counter or can be prescribed by a doctor. You will need to follow this treatment for many weeks for it to be successful.

Another approach is to use duct tape, which you can do at home. Cover the wart with duct tape and leave it there for up to six days. Remove the tape and soak the wart to soften it. Then rub it with an emery board or pumice stone to remove any rough patches. Leave the wart uncovered overnight and then repeat the process. You may need to keep repeating this for a few months.

Occasionally, cryotherapy – removal using freezing – may help. However, this treatment is not recommended for children, so our dermatologists will advise you on the best approach for your child. 

Although there are several over the counter treatments for warts, it can sometimes be difficult to ensure that you are using them correctly. It can also be a time consuming process. Our dermatologists are highly experienced in treating warts – they can provide you with precise advice, prescribe the most effective treatment for your condition and make sure that you are applying it correctly and consistently. 

Our specialists provide a range of safe and effective treatments, including cryotherapy for warts in London, at our private clinic. They can also guide you on how to reduce the possibility of future re-infection. 

You can view a full list of our dermatology consultation and procedure fees here.