This is not an uncommon question that we hear in the clinic, it’s commonly followed up with “It’s been there a while and it’s not getting any better”
The chances are, you have a verrucae pedis, which is the Latin name for plantar wart – put that one in your back pocket for trivia night!
Verrucas can present in a variety of formations, with differing distinct characteristics and shapes. It is possible you may have a few different types of verruca on your foot and perhaps you are finding some are responding better to treatment than others? Not to worry there is a reason behind this conundrum which I am about to explain.
Verrucas are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and as we know with flu season there are a few different strains of flu circulating around each year. The same applies to verrucas, there are 3 main strains of the virus and some are more resistant to treatment than others. This can be problematic and frustrating when you are using your home treatments bought from the chemist.
Your next question is, “how did I get the virus?” Honestly, it could be anywhere, everything on Earth’s surface is covered with micro-organisms. The reason why it’s popped up on your foot is that your body is ignorant to that strain of the HPV virus and it managed to find a small portal of entry in your skin to make itself at home, even though it’s not welcome.
The virus, in a nutshell, causes uncontrolled cell growth and is contagious across the foot – this is why multiple verruca sites appear. The most effective means of management is stimulating an immune response so that your body recognises that it’s there and this is the goal of most verruca treatments.
At Active Step, we treat a wide range of foot and lower limb conditions including the treatment of verrucas. For more information regarding our verruca treatment or to book an appointment, or alternatively give us a call on 01489 881 204 or send us an email on info@activestep.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to help.
Written by Astrid Codemo, HCPC Registered Podiatrist, Active Step Healthcare Ltd.
