Overview
About verrucae
Verrucae are warts that appear on the soles of the feet, around the toes or under the heel. They are caused by the same human papillomavirus (HPV) family as common warts, but the constant pressure of walking pushes them inward, often making them painful and harder to treat with shop-bought remedies.
They can appear as a single lesion or in clusters known as mosaic verrucae, and frequently develop a small black dot at the centre — tiny clotted blood vessels visible through the skin.
Causes
Why verrucae appear
HPV thrives in warm, damp environments. Infection usually happens through tiny cuts or cracks in the skin while walking barefoot in shared spaces — swimming pool sides, changing rooms, gym showers and communal sports facilities.
Once established, verrucae can spread to other parts of the foot or to other people. Persistent or painful lesions respond particularly well to cryotherapy.
Treating a verruca at the root is what makes the difference — surface-only treatments often leave the infected tissue intact, which is why they so frequently return.
The treatment
How cryotherapy works
The thick, callused skin over a verruca is gently pared back so the freeze can reach the affected tissue beneath. A precise blast of ultra-cold gas is then applied for ten to thirty seconds, freezing the verruca and the small blood vessels feeding it.
Verrucae are stubborn by nature, and most need two to four sessions spaced two to three weeks apart to clear completely. We will be honest about the likely timeline at your first consultation.
Your visit
What to expect
During treatment
You will feel a sharp stinging sensation as the freeze is applied — more noticeable on a weight-bearing area than on the hands. The treatment itself is brief, and no anaesthetic is required.
In the days that follow
The treated area may feel tender for a day or two, particularly when walking. A blister can form, sometimes filled with a small amount of blood — this is normal and part of the treatment working. Keep it clean, dry and unbroken.
Over the next few weeks
The verruca gradually scabs and lifts away. You will return for a review, and a follow-up freeze if needed, two to three weeks after each session until the area has cleared.
Common questions
Frequently asked
Will I be able to walk normally afterwards?
Yes. Most clients walk out of the appointment without difficulty. The area may feel a little tender for a day or two, but full activity, including exercise, can usually continue as normal.
Why do verrucae need more sessions than other warts?
The thick layer of skin over a verruca makes it harder for treatment to reach the infected tissue in one go, and the constant pressure of walking can slow healing. Multiple sessions, spaced apart, give the most reliable result.
Can I still go swimming during treatment?
Yes — but keep the treated foot covered with a verruca sock between treatment sessions to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Are verrucae contagious?
Yes. They spread through direct contact and via wet floors, so we recommend keeping the area covered while it heals.
Is cryotherapy suitable for children with verrucae?
Yes — it is a common, well-tolerated treatment for older children and teenagers. A parent or guardian must accompany under-16s.
