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Why Verrucas Can Be Tricky to Treat – and How Salactol Can Help

Verrucas (also known as plantar warts) are a really common foot problem, and if you’ve had one, you’ll know just how frustrating they can be. They’re caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV) and tend to show up on the soles of the feet, often on places that take a lot of pressure, like the heel or ball of the foot.


The good news? Verrucas are harmless*. The not-so-good news? They can be painful, embarrassing, and stubborn – sometimes sticking around for months or even years.


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Why Are Verrucas So Difficult to Shift?


Here are a few reasons why getting rid of a verruca isn’t always straightforward:

  • They’re viral – and located in the epidermis (top layer of the skin) where there are no circulating immune cells; i.e. - the verruca can 'hide' from your immune system. Most treatments are aimed at essentially 'injuring' the skin to kick your immune system into action.

  • Thick skin gets in the way – Verrucas are often covered by a layer of hard skin, which makes it harder for treatments to reach the root of the problem.

  • They can grow back – Even when you think a verruca has gone, a few viral particles can remain and cause it to return.

  • Everyone is different – Age, circulation, and your general health all play a role in how your body deals with the virus. Also - a special shout out to STRESS. In the author's experience, if a person is stressed - that verruca isn't going anywhere.


So if you’ve been trying to treat your verruca and it hasn’t gone yet, don’t worry – this is not unusual!


Where Salactol Fits In


One treatment you might not have come across is Salactol. It’s a paint-on liquid that you can buy via online pharmacies or from a podiatrist, and it works in two ways:


  • Salicylic acid (16.7%) helps soften and break down the tough skin on top of the verruca.

  • Lactic acid (16.7%) helps peel away the infected skin underneath.

Little by little, this makes it easier for your immune system to do its job and fight off the virus.

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How to Use Salactol


Using Salactol is simple, but it does need patience and consistency:


  1. Soak your foot in warm water (or apply after a shower) and gently file off any hard skin with a pumice stone or emery board. Do not share the pumice stone or emery board with anyone else.

  2. Apply a thin layer of Salactol to the verruca. Try to avoid the healthy skin around it – a little dab of petroleum jelly around the edge can protect it.

  3. Let it dry so it forms a thin coating.

  4. Repeat this two more times

  5. Repeat daily.

It can take weeks, or months, for the product to work - so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see much difference. Give Salactol a go for at least 3 months before trying another product.


A Few Things to Know


  • Salactol isn’t suitable for everyone – for example, it’s usually not recommended for people with diabetes or poor circulation.

  • Don’t use it on broken or infected skin.

  • You can expect the verruca to change colour as the treatment starts to work; typically white or brown.

  • If your verruca is very painful, spreading, or just not budging despite regular treatment, it’s best to get advice from a qualified, HCPC-registered

    podiatrist.

  • If the area becomes red, inflamed and/or sore during treatment - discontinue application of the product and seek professional advice.


Offloading

One of the big reasons verrucas are stubborn is because they typically appear on weight-bearing parts of the foot, like the heel or the ball of the foot. Every time you walk, run, or stand, pressure pushes the verruca deeper into the skin and builds up hard skin (callus) over the verruca, making it harder for topical treatments to reach the infected tissue. By offloading (reducing pressure on the verruca), you give treatments a much better chance of working.


Simple Ways to Offload

  • Gel pads or cushioned plasters such as Compeed – these can reduce pressure and protect the verruca from irritation.

  • Custom padding from a podiatrist – if your verruca is in a tricky spot, a podiatrist can create felt or foam padding to take pressure off the area. This can be applied either directly to the foot, or applied to an insole - which can then be moved between different footwear.

  • Wearing supportive shoes – well-cushioned footwear spreads pressure more evenly across the foot.


Offloading won’t get rid of the verruca in isolation, but it can make a huge difference when combined with treatments like Salactol. It also helps reduce pain if you find walking uncomfortable.

Verruca FAQs


Do verrucas go away on their own?

Yes, sometimes they do! 90% of verrucas will spontaneously resolve within 10 months. Many verrucas eventually disappear as your immune system clears the virus – but this can take months or even years, which is why many people prefer to treat them.


Can I catch verrucas from swimming pools?

Yes – verrucas spread through skin contact, especially in warm, damp places like swimming pools, gyms, and changing rooms. Wearing flip-flops in communal areas can help protect your feet.


Are verrucas contagious at home?

They can be. It’s a good idea to avoid sharing towels, shoes, or nail files, and keep your verruca covered with a plaster if you’re walking barefoot around the house.


When should I see a podiatrist?

If your verruca is painful, spreading, keeps coming back, or you have diabetes or circulation problems, it’s best to seek professional advice.


✨ With patience, persistence, and the right treatment, verrucas can be managed and eventually cleared. Salactol is a simple, affordable option that can help you get started on the path to smoother, more comfortable feet. Disclaimer: this blog is for information purposes only and it is recommended it is not used in lieu of professional assessment and advice.


Want to have a chat about your feet?

You can book a virtual consultation with Felicity and send across photos for her to review. Book an appointment here.



*Verrucas are harmless... but if the verruca is not responding to treatment, or is getting worse, it is worth seeking a professional assessment as - infrequently - a rare type of squamous skin carcinoma (a type of cancer: verrucous carcinoma) can be masquerading as a verruca.

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