Verruca Needling

What is verruca needling?

Verruca needling is a treatment used to help treat persistent or troublesome verrucae

(plantar warts). It is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to stimulate the body's own immune response against the verruca.

Unlike treatments that work directly on the surface of the verruca, such as acids or freezing,

needling works by introducing a controlled injury into the verruca tissue. This may help the

immune system recognise and respond to the virus responsible for the verruca.

When is verruca needling used?

Verruca needling may be considered when a verruca has been persistent, painful, difficult to

treat, or has not responded to other treatments.

It can be particularly useful for patients who have tried treatments such as topical

preparations or cryotherapy without success. Your podiatrist will assess the verruca and your

individual circumstances to determine whether needling is an appropriate treatment option.

What does the treatment involve?

Before treatment, the podiatrist will examine the verruca and surrounding skin. The area is

cleaned and prepared, and local anaesthetic is used to make the procedure as comfortable

as possible.

Once the area is numb, a sterile needle is used to puncture the verruca multiple times in a

controlled manner. This creates a small, deliberate injury within the verruca tissue while

allowing the body's immune system to be exposed to the affected tissue.

The procedure is then completed and the area dressed. Patients are given aftercare advice

to follow at home.

What happens afterwards?

It is normal for the treated area to be sore or tender for a few days following the procedure.

There may also be some redness, swelling, bruising or minor bleeding around the treatment

site.

The immune response continues after the procedure, so the verruca does not necessarily

disappear immediately. The area will usually be reviewed by your podiatrist to assess

healing and the response to treatment.

Is verruca needling suitable for everyone?

Not every verruca requires needling, and it may not be suitable for every patient. Your

podiatrist will take your medical history and examine the verruca before recommending

treatment.