Verruca Treatment Myths!
Verrucas are one the most common conditions, treated in clinics around the world daily. As with most diseases, individuals are prone to googling their symptoms; this is possibly the worst thing to participate in. As I am sure many people are aware, everything on the internet is either a good or bad source. However, many articles containing information on treating a verruca range from ridiculous to outright dangerous!
Verrucas are formed from an infection known as the Human Papilloma Virus, frequently invading the skin on the soles of the feet, usually, if abrasion or a cut is formed on the skin’s surface. The virus is most commonly caught on shared surfaces such as swimming pool tiles, shower trays and changing room floors. They can also be transferred via skin to skin contact and by sharing towels or shoes. As with all viruses, the Human Papillomavirus is not picky and can be picked up by anyone. However, children and young adults are suggested to be the most vulnerable.
Despite what you read online, there is no single treatment that guarantees a resolution, and as with every virus, it can be caught more than once. So, this is where the myths begin, but I am here to bust them!
Duct tape
Duct tape is designed as an industrial use tape, not for treatment of verrucas. Using duct tape on the skin is likely to cause irritation and, in worst cases, topical dermatitis.
Filing it away
Picking and scratching your verrucas can cause them to bleed and spread.
Picking out the black dots
The black dots that form on a verruca are actually their blood vessels; as mentioned above, picking at your verruca causes it to bleed and consequently, it spreads.
Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, tea tree oil and banana peels
There is no clinical evidence whatsoever that suggests any of these will help cure your verruca! They will, however, make your foot smell extremely funky!
Cutting them out
It is true verrucas can be surgically removed. However, this should always be carried out by a professional under anaesthetic. As with all surgeries, this one too comes with risks such as infection. Furthermore, such surgeries can also create scar tissue; this can be particularly troublesome and lead to further problems.
As you can see, there are many proposed miracle cures on the internet. Unfortunately, none of these has any scientific evidence behind them. Therefore you mustn’t believe everything you read; if your struggling with a verruca, consult with a podiatrist like ourselves - don’t be a hero and worsen your condition!