London Wart and Verruca Removal
Medically Reviewed by Doctor Björn Thomas, GMC: 7084005
Wart Removal & Verruca Treatment at the Thomas Clinic
Private wart and verruca treatments are available through the Thomas Clinic from three London locations.
Warts and verrucas are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Verrucas are simply warts that develop on the soles of the feet.
Warts often look like rough, cauliflower-like bumps and commonly appear on hands, fingers, knees, or elbows. Verrucas tend to grow inward under pressure points on the foot, which can make them feel like walking on a pebble or a needle.
Many people choose professional treatment for one (or a mix) of reasons: discomfort, embarrassment, recurrence, or concerns about spreading the virus. A consultation allows a clinician to confirm the diagnosis and talk through suitable options, including treatments that aren’t available over the counter.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Björn Thomas (MBBS, PhD, MRCP).
Speak to Our Skin Experts Today
Who is Wart Removal For?
Wart and verruca removal is suitable for anyone experiencing physical discomfort, emotional impact, or cosmetic concerns related to these benign growths.
Cosmetic concerns are common: visible warts on the face, hands, or feet can affect confidence and make people feel self-conscious in social situations. Medical concerns matter too: verrucas can be painful on the sole, and warts around fingernails (periungual warts) can be tender and awkward during day-to-day tasks such as typing or writing.
If warts are persistent, recurring, spreading, or simply getting in the way of normal life, a professional assessment can offer clarity and a plan that fits the area, size, and your preferences.
Medical Wart Removal
Medical reasons people seek removal include:
- Pain and tenderness, particularly with plantar warts (verrucas) on weight-bearing areas.
- Functional limitations, for example, discomfort when walking or playing sport, or periungual warts affecting hand use.
- Bleeding or noticeable changes in shape/colour, where a review is sensible to confirm the diagnosis.
- Persistence or spreading, including multiple or rapidly recurring warts.
- Skin irritation or secondary infection risk, especially if warts are picked or frequently rubbed.
- Diagnostic clarity, if it’s not obvious whether a growth is a wart.
- Higher-risk situations, such as diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system.
Cosmetic Wart Removal
Wart removal is also requested for aesthetic reasons, particularly when warts are visible on the face, hands, or near nails. Flat warts on the face or shins, filiform warts around the eyes or mouth, and periungual warts can be especially frustrating.
For many people, treatment is about feeling comfortable again: not hiding hands in photos, not avoiding sandals, and not constantly thinking about whether the wart is noticeable.
Wart Removal Methods
Not every wart needs treatment. Many clear on their own over time, particularly in children and young people. Where treatment is needed, the best option depends on the wart type, location, symptoms, and how long it has been there.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence mentions that a stepwise approach often makes sense, starting with simpler topical measures and moving to in-clinic treatments for stubborn, painful, or high-impact warts.
Our specialist wart removal options include:
Topical Treatments
Prescription-strength topical options can be used in certain cases, particularly for smaller warts or sensitive areas. Many people also try over-the-counter salicylic acid preparations first, as these are widely recommended and can be effective when used consistently.
A practical routine often involves soaking the wart in warm water for 5–10 minutes, gently reducing thickened surface skin, using a nail file, then applying the topical product as directed. In some cases, occlusion (covering) is suggested, although it’s best treated as an add-on rather than a stand-alone solution.
Other topical approaches may be discussed in selected cases (for example, topical retinoids for flat warts, or immune-modulating creams in specific scenarios).
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, triggering blistering and gradual shedding of the affected skin. It may require more than one session, particularly for thicker plantar warts.
Laser Wart Removal
Laser treatment uses focused energy to target wart tissue and is sometimes considered for stubborn warts or warts in areas where precision matters.
Surgical Excision
For larger or persistent warts, removal under local anaesthetic may be discussed. As with any procedure, there can be a healing period and a scarring risk, which is particularly relevant in weight-bearing areas.
Benefits of Having Warts Removed
Professional wart removal can help:
- Reduce discomfort from plantar warts (verrucas), making walking and sports easier.
- Improve dexterity and reduce tenderness around fingers and nails.
- Lower the chance of spreading warts to other areas or other people.
- Reduce irritation from friction, picking, or repeated recurrence.
- Improve confidence when warts are visible.
You’re In Safe Hands – Dr Björn Thomas
Dr Björn Thomas (MBBS, PhD, MRCP) is a Consultant Dermatologist, who previously had a substantive consultant role at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. He also has an extensive academic and professional track record, including research publications, presentations, and medical awards.
Book a Private Consultation Today
A private consultation offers direct access to dermatologist-led assessment and a clear plan, without referrals or long waiting lists. Whether your concerns are cosmetic, medical, or both, the aim is to confirm what the growth is and outline the most appropriate treatment options for the location and your skin.
How Wart Removal Treatment Works
The process is straightforward and designed around privacy and comfort:
- Initial consultation: The wart or verruca is examined, and the diagnosis is confirmed. Your history, symptoms, and preferences are reviewed, and then the options are explained clearly.
- Treatment procedure: The plan typically starts with the simplest, most practical approach, balancing effectiveness, downtime, and cost. Options may include cryotherapy, laser, or topical treatments depending on the presentation.
- Aftercare and support: Clear aftercare is provided, with follow-up available if needed.
Common Causes of Warts
Warts are caused by HPV and can spread through close contact or via contaminated surfaces, particularly where skin is damp or slightly damaged.
Common ways HPV infection occurs include:
- Direct skin contact with someone who has warts.
- Indirect contact in communal areas (pools, showers, changing rooms) or via shared items (towels, shoes, nail tools).
- Autoinoculation (spreading to other areas by picking, shaving, or scratching).
- A weakened immune system.
- Minor skin trauma that gives the virus an entry point.
Common Causes of Verrucas
Verrucas (plantar warts) spread in similar ways, often through damp communal areas and shared surfaces, especially when there are small breaks in the skin. Wearing footwear in changing rooms and poolside areas can reduce risk.
Area on the Body Where Warts Can Develop
Warts can occur in different areas depending on the HPV type:
Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)
Often on hands and around fingernails, especially where there is nail-biting or picking.
Plantar Warts (Verrucas)
On the soles of the feet, commonly heels, balls of feet, toes, and arches. They may grow inward and can be painful.
Plane (Flat) Warts
Often on the face, neck, backs of hands, arms, and legs.
Genital Warts (Condyloma Acuminatum)
Occur in the genital/anal region and are managed separately.
Verrucas
Common locations:
- Soles of the feet.
- Balls of the feet and heels.
- Toes and arches.
Verrucas typically grow inward due to pressure on the feet from standing and walking.
Wart & Verruca FAQs
Many pharmacy wart-remover products contain salicylic acid and can help, particularly when used consistently for several weeks. Foot skin is thicker, so higher-strength formulations are sometimes used, following the product guidance.
Yes, warts and verrucas are contagious. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread through:
Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact: Close contact with someone who has warts.
Indirect Contact (Surfaces or Objects): Walking barefoot in communal wet areas like pools or showers, or sharing items such as towels, shoes, or nail clippers.
Autoinoculation: Spreading the virus from one body area to another by picking, scratching, or shaving.
Mother-to-Child Transmission: Rarely, HPV can pass from mother to child during childbirth (typically genital warts).
The virus typically enters through minor skin breaks, with warts appearing weeks or months after exposure. Not everyone exposed to HPV develops warts, as immunity varies.
In some cases, yes. Minor surgical approaches may be considered for large or stubborn warts, although recurrence and scarring can be considerations, particularly on the sole of the foot.
Scarring is possible with any destructive treatment. Risk varies by the wart’s size and location and by the technique used, so this is something to discuss during consultation.
Removal can leave a temporary wound that heals over time. The aim is effective removal while keeping the cosmetic outcome in mind.
Yes, you can generally walk after verruca removal, although comfort levels vary depending on the treatment used:
Topical Treatments (e.g., salicylic acid): Usually allow normal walking with mild soreness or irritation.
Cryotherapy (freezing): Often causes blistering and temporary discomfort, possibly making walking painful for a few days.
Surgical Methods (excision, curettage, laser therapy): Create wounds requiring healing, potentially causing temporary pain and difficulty walking, especially if located on weight-bearing areas.
Injections (e.g., bleomycin): May cause significant short-term pain, temporarily affecting walking.
Your dermatologist will carefully recommend treatments to minimise discomfort and downtime, ensuring a swift return to normal activities. Padding, comfortable footwear, and over-the-counter pain relief can further assist your comfort after treatment.
Many verrucas clear on their own over time. However, they can persist, spread, and remain painful on the sole, which is why people often choose treatment.
Recurrence can happen, particularly if the virus remains in surrounding skin or if there is re-exposure. If warts keep returning, it’s worth reviewing the diagnosis and discussing alternative approaches.
Speak to Our Expert Dermatologist Today
If you’d like to discuss mole, wart, or verruca removal, an assessment can confirm what the growth is and whether treatment is appropriate.
For appointments, contact the clinic by phone or email.
Further Reading on Warts and Verrucas
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Warts and Verrucae Scenario Management
