Verruca Dry Needling
Verruca dry needling is a specialised minor surgical procedure used to treat stubborn or painful verrucas that have not responded to other treatments. Carried out under a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort, the procedure involves using a fine, sterile needle to break down the verruca tissue across the entire lesion.
This treatment is particularly recommended for long-standing verrucas where traditional methods like cryotherapy or acid treatments have been unsuccessful. By disrupting the verruca at a deeper level, we aim to provide a more definitive solution for persistent foot health issues.
The Procedure
Verruca dry needling is a specialised minor surgical procedure. Using a fine, sterile needle, the podiatrist repeatedly punctures the verruca under local anaesthetic. This process breaks down the verruca's structure and pushes the viral cells into the deeper layers of the skin. By doing this, the treatment aims to 'alert' your body's own immune system to the presence of the virus, stimulating a targeted immune response to help your body naturally resolve the stubborn lesion from the inside out.
The Benefits of Dry Needling
Effective for Stubborn Cases
A clinically recognized option for verrucas that haven't responded to traditional treatments like cryotherapy or acids.
Single Session Focus
Usually requires only one main treatment session, saving you time compared to repetitive weekly appointments.
Suitable for All Ages
An appropriate choice for both adults and older children, allowing for effective treatment across different patient needs.
Safety & Considerations
Who is this suitable for?
Before proceeding with dry needling, it is important to consider individual health factors. While generally safe, the following risks and contraindications apply:
- Medical Conditions: Not suitable for those with certain heart valve conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, or immune system disorders.
- Medication: Patients on blood-thinning medications (e.g., Warfarin) may need to avoid this procedure due to bleeding risks.
- Discomfort: Slight soreness or bruising at the site is common for a few days after the anaesthetic wears off.
- Infection Risk: As with any procedure involving the skin, there is a very small risk of minor infection.
- Children: Generally suitable for older children who can tolerate local anaesthetic; assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recovering from Treatment
Following your verruca dry needling session, proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery. You will typically have a protective dressing applied which should be kept dry for at least 24 hours. The area may feel slightly tender or bruised once the local anaesthetic wears off, but this usually settles quickly. It is normal to see a small scab or dark spot where the needle was applied—this is part of the healing process. Most patients can return to normal activities almost immediately, though we advise avoiding high-impact exercise for a day or two. Remember, the goal is to trigger your immune system, so it can take several months to see the final results as the body gradually eliminates the virus.
Protective dressings are applied immediately post-treatment.
Regular assessments help monitor your long-term recovery progress.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
Dry needling is a clinically proven option for stubborn or painful verrucas that haven't cleared with other methods. While highly effective, it requires a short procedure under local anaesthetic and a brief recovery period. To establish if this is the most appropriate pathway for your foot health, we recommend booking a professional assessment with one of our HCPC-registered podiatrists.