Verrucas - Plantar warts

Verrucas or plantar warts have plagued people for years as being difficult to cure. They are the result of a virus known as the human papilloma virus which makes itself at home on any part of the bottom of the foot. Occasionally one may even occur between the toes but its favourite place to embed itself is often the heel. The skin here is thick and it can therefore implant itself quite deeply. Some verrucas can be painful as they usually develop a black core and a swelling often occurs around this.

There are several ways of dealing with verrucas - perhaps the most unusual I have ever heard about was disclosed on a BBC programme called 'Street Doctor.' One of the doctor's on this programme suggested the use of Duct tape. The foot should be washed and dried thoroughly before applying a small piece onto the verruca and leaving in place for a SIX days - (if the tape falls off during this period a fresh piece needs to be applied) the tape has to then be removed and the verruca soaked in warm water for five minutes then the rough skin surrounding the area has to be gently rubbed down with a pumice stone or emery board. The foot needs to be rested over night and should be allowed to have air get to it. The following day the process is then repeated for a further six days, and so on until the virus dies and the verruca goes away. On average most verrucas are cleared up within 28 days or really bad ones within two months using Duct tape. Studies are still going on to find out why! If you would like to read more then go to the Patient Uk website at: http://www.patient.co.uk