Verruca Needling
Verruca Needling: An Overview
Verruca Needling is a minor surgical procedure designed to stimulate the body's immune response to eliminate stubborn verrucas (warts). This treatment is especially effective for verrucas that have not responded to other therapies, such as acids, freezing, or laser treatment.
How Does It Work?
1. A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area, ensuring the procedure is painless.
2. A fine needle is used to repeatedly puncture the verruca, pushing viral particles deeper into the skin.
3. This process stimulates the immune system, enabling it to recognise and attack the human papillomavirus (HPV) responsible for the verruca.
4. Over time, the immune system works to clear the verruca; in some cases, other verrucas on the foot may also disappear due to this immune response.
Verruca needling has an effectiveness rate of approximately 70% after the first treatment. Occasionally, a second needling session may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
💡 Does it hurt?
The only slightly painful part is the local anaesthetic injection, but most patients tolerate it well. The procedure itself is pain-free due to the numbing effect.
💡 How long does it take for the verruca to go away after needling?
After your treatment, it may take time for your body to respond. This can range from a couple of months to a year. Patience is key, as time often facilitates healing.
💡 Why should I choose verruca needling over other treatment options?
Many individuals prefer needling because it typically requires fewer visits. Unlike other treatments that may require weekly or monthly sessions, this often serves as a more convenient one-time treatment option.
💡 Can I walk after the procedure? Yes, you can walk immediately after. However, the foot may feel tender once the anaesthetic wears off, so we recommend wearing comfortable, cushioned footwear.
💡 How many sessions will I need? Most patients only require one needling session. However, if the verruca persists, a second treatment may be recommended after allowing sufficient time for your immune system to respond.
💡 How is this different from freezing (cryotherapy)? Unlike cryotherapy, which destroys the verruca tissue directly, needling works by triggering your immune system to fight the virus — meaning it can clear multiple verrucas at once, not just the treated one.