Verrutop Treatment for Recalcitrant Verruca

What is a Verruca?

Verruca (plantar wart) is a skin infection caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Verruca are made up of complex proteins and invade the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) where there are no circulating immune cells; i.e. your immune system ignores them. It usually appears as a plaque of hard skin with an irregular border and can have black dots (blood vessels) scattered throughout.

Verruca can be very painful and can appear on any part of the body (warts). A quick test to check whether it's a verruca or a corn - verrucas are painful when you squeeze them, corns are sore when you apply direct pressure to the thickened skin.

It is important to remember that HPV is contagious and can be spread to others.

Treatment with Verrutop

Verrucas require multiple appointments.  Usually 4 appointments (and up to 6) will typically be required for full resolution of your verruca using Verrutop.  Other treatments vary and will be discussed with you fully during your appointment. 

What is Verrutop?

Verrutop is a new treatment in the UK and is a Class 2A Healthcare Product, which should only be used by a qualified medical professional.

It is a topical solution based on a unique combination of three organic acids; lactic, acetic, and oxalic, which are combined with copper and zinc salts (accelerants) plus nitric acid to produce “Nitric Zinc Complex”.

How does Verrutop work?

This Complex triggers and accelerates two keys processes, desiccation and denaturation. Verrutop is not a caustic agent, instead its combination acts together to produce nitrites, which denature (kill) viral proteins and desiccate (dry out) the verruca, leaving intact skin behind as if the verruca had not been there.

Desiccation is a process of dehydration. Viruses are made up of proteins, which have an outer lipid layer. This layer protects all the genetic material (DNA) required for the life cycle of the virus and is highly sensitive to the effects of desiccation, which leads to its breakdown and destruction.

Denaturation is a process which breaks down and weakens the structure of DNA (found in the viral proteins).

This important molecule is critical to the survival of the virus. DNA contains all the genetic material that allows the virus to replicate and drive reproduction, growth and development. Denaturation causes a disruption of this activity and leads to viral cell death.

How effective is Verrutop treatment?

A study involving 200 patients with 766 verrucae demonstrated an 89.3% clearance rate within 6 treatment sessions.

What can I expect if I have Verrutop treatment?

You will be seen for an Initial Assessment. During this appointment the podiatrist will assess if you are suitable for Verrutop.

Verrutop is applied to verruca via a small capillary tube. The surface of the verruca is covered in the solution. The verruca may change colour and appear a white/yellow colour.

Patients will be issued surgical spirit, and advised to apply it to the verruca twice a day between treatments to aid the desiccation process.

The process will be repeated every 7-10 days up to a maximum of six sessions.

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment in the vast majority of cases is painless. Some patients may experience a slight tingling or burning sensation. If this is the case, it is short term.

Is everyone suitable for treatment with Verrutop?

Verrutop is a safe topical treatment.

Verrutop should not be used: -

• On healthy skin

• On tumours, keloids (hypertrophic scars) or flat warts

• On children under the age of 6 years

• On women who are pregnant or breast feeding

• On patients with impaired circulation or sensation

• On patients already using other topical treatments

• On patients already undergoing other skin treatments, e.g. skin cancer

Verrutop Treatment at OCP

Please note: You will typically require a minimum of 3 follow-up appointments at 7-10 day intervals.  These are £45-60 per appointment plus £19.99 per vial of Verrutop (typically only one vial required per appointment).