When you see a verruca on your child’s foot, your heart sinks

What will people think?

What do I do about it?

Am I a bad parent?

It happens to us all and it’s more common that you think! You’re not a bad parent by the way!

Verrucas are a virus

Part of the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) Family and what the virus does is “gets into” a host cell and then does some viral-magic to survive

The virus then hides and produces chemicals to keep it out of the immune systems watchful eye!

Clever!

Any treatment that we use, has to show the virus to the immune system and say “look, it’s here!”

Then it could do it’s magic

But, and it’s a BIG BUT, no treatment is 100% effective

And if someone tells you they have a treatment that is 100% effective, then call them out, because they are lying!

So what can we do here at Reflex Foot Care?

Well, there’s a lot but probably the simplest six are:

1. Time (AKA leave them alone)

2. Tape - softens the verruca and makes it more comfy so that number 1 can kick in

3. Salicylic Acid

4. Verrutop - Enzymes and acid precision application in clinic (for children aged 6 and over)

Then of course there’s -

5. Needling - creates a cell mediated response to give the immune system a wake up call

6. Microwave therapy - heat creates a cell mediated immune response and gives the immune system a wake up call

At the end of the day, if the verruca causes no issue, then 1 and 2 are ideal. Eventually the Verruca will fall off by itself, leaving healthy skin behind and no trauma for your child by using harsh chemicals on their little feet!

If your child is having painful symptoms then 3, 4, 5 and 6 are better options

Ultimately, it’s about providing you as a parent all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision for your child, with some help from us of course!