By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
Verrucas (plantar warts) are rough, grainy bumps that can mysteriously appear on the soles of your feet. While usually harmless, these viral invaders can be painful and unsightly. If you suspect a verruca, accurate identification is crucial for effective treatment.
Unlike calluses and corns, verrucas favour the pressure-resistant havens of your heels and balls of the feet. This preference stems from the human papillomavirus (HPV)’s love for thicker skin layers, making these areas prime real estate for replication. So, if you spot a suspicious bump in these pressure zones, raise your suspicion meter!
A verruca boasts a unique morphology. Imagine a rough, grainy plateau crowned with a slightly elevated rim, like a miniature volcanic caldera. Unlike the smoother callus or the firmer corn, its texture resembles coarse sandpaper. Upon closer inspection, you might find tiny black dots scattered across its surface. These aren’t buried roots, but rather clotted blood vessels, a testament to the virus’s disruption of local vasculature.
The world of foot bumps can be deceptively similar. Corns, with their smaller size, harder texture, and lack of black dots, can wear the verruca disguise. Calluses, thickened skin patches without the telltale rim or dots, can further blur the lines. In these cases, a healthcare professional, armed with specialised tools and knowledge, can employ differential diagnosis techniques to confidently unveil the true identity of the bump adorning your sole.
Navigating the landscape of foot bumps can be tricky, and self-diagnosis, especially with masquerading conditions, can lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Therefore, if the identity of the bump remains shrouded in mystery, consulting a podiatrist or dermatologist is always the recommended course of action. Their expertise will ensure accurate identification and pave the way for appropriate treatment, allowing you to reclaim your soles from the clutches of the enigmatic verruca.
At Aston Clinic London, our experienced practitioners provide precise diagnosis and effective treatment for verrucas. Using the latest techniques, we offer personalised care to help you achieve healthy, pain-free feet with confidence.
To book a session with one of our herbalists, click here. Alternatively, you can contact us at 020 8942 3148 to learn how our treatments can benefit you.
Aston Clinic London is a third-generation complementary health clinic located in New Malden, serving Kingston, Norbiton, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Surbiton, Chessington, Worcester Park, Sutton, Richmond, and other areas of southwest London and Surrey.
By Laurie Melrose-Doering, Osteopath & Applied Kinesiologist
