Wart Removal in London – Consultant Dermatologist

Consultant‑led care for hand warts and plantar verrucae using a personalised mix of topical therapy, cryotherapy, CO₂ laser, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and minor skin surgery — with clear aftercare and prevention strategies to reduce recurrence.

Introduction

Warts (including plantar verrucae) are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infecting the skin’s upper layers. They can be stubborn, painful (especially on the sole), and spread with friction or shared surfaces. We assess the type, site and depth, then choose the most effective approach for you — often combining methods over a short, focused course to maximise clearance while keeping downtime sensible.

Ready to clear stubborn warts with a consultant‑guided plan and clear aftercare?

Call Us Book Consultation

What Are Warts & Verrucae?

Warts are benign growths from HPV infection of the epidermis. Common sites are fingers/hands; verrucae occur on the soles and can feel like a “stone” due to pressure and callus. Mosaic warts are clusters of small lesions. They are contagious via direct contact and shared damp surfaces (showers, pools, gyms).

Many clear spontaneously, but persistent, painful or spreading lesions often benefit from targeted treatment and hygiene measures to reduce recurrence.

Diagnosis & Assessment at Skinhorizon

Consultant examination: site, size, number, depth, pain and functional impact (e.g., walking, sport).
Dermoscopy: magnified patterns (thrombosed capillaries/“black dots”, interruption of skin lines) to confirm diagnosis.
Paring/debulking test: gentle debridement to remove callus and reveal typical pinpoint bleeding for verrucae.
Differentials: corns/callus, molluscum, seborrhoeic keratosis — treated differently.
Hygiene & spread risk: shared surfaces, barefoot habits, occlusive shoes, sports.

Personalised Treatment Options We Offer

Topical Treatments (home‑use, guided)

We use evidence‑based keratolytics and targeted topicals with clear written instructions — how to apply, how long to occlude, and when to pause. Treatment often includes regular gentle paring of hard skin (if plantar) to help actives reach the lesion. We’ll tell you exactly what to do on clinic and non‑clinic days.

Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)

Quick freezing cycles destroy infected tissue and can stimulate local immune recognition. Plantar verrucae may need callus paring first. Sessions are usually spaced every 2–4 weeks; number of sessions depends on site, depth and response.

CO₂ Laser (Selected, Resistant Lesions)

CO₂ laser precisely ablates resistant or painful lesions, especially on pressure areas. We use local anaesthetic, meticulous technique and provide clear wound‑care instructions. Learn more on our CO₂ Laser page.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

PDT combines a photosensitising cream with a specific light source to target lesion tissue while sparing surrounding skin. It can be considered for recalcitrant or cosmetically sensitive sites. We’ll discuss suitability and expected number of sessions. (Internal link when live: Photodynamic Therapy).

Skin Surgery (Curettage / Excision)

Minor surgical removal can be an option for single, resistant lesions or when a rapid result is preferred. We explain likely downtime, scarring risk and site‑specific considerations, and provide written aftercare.

Your Care Journey at Skinhorizon

Confirm diagnosis: clinical exam ± dermoscopy; discuss goals (comfort, clearance, sport).
Plan & consent: select approach (topical, cryo, CO₂, PDT, surgery) based on site, depth, lifestyle.
In‑clinic session(s): precise technique; debridement if needed; schedule follow‑ups.
Home program: written instructions for topical days, paring, and protection.
Review & prevent: track progress; adjust intervals; hygiene strategies to avoid spread/recurrence.

Special Situations We Consider

Children & teens: comfort‑first strategies; simpler home plans.
Athletes/swimmers: poolside hygiene; occlusive footwear; mosaic verrucae risks.
Diabetes/neuropathy: foot care caution, pressure off‑loading; liaise with GP/podiatry when appropriate.
Skin of colour: pigment‑change risk counselling and sun protection after procedures.
Nail unit lesions: careful technique choice; realistic timelines.

Hygiene & Prevention Tips

Wear flip‑flops in communal showers/pools; don’t share towels, socks or nail tools; keep feet dry (change socks; ventilated shoes); avoid picking; cover plantar lesions with occlusive pads when exercising; consider separate nail clippers for affected areas until cleared.

Aftercare & Skin Support

Good aftercare supports neat healing and reduces spread. You’ll get written instructions tailored to the technique used and site.

Post‑cryo/CO₂/surgery: keep area clean and dry for 24–48 h; then gentle cleansing (CB Baby or CB Calendula Cleansing Bar); pat dry.
Comfort & protection: if on pressure points (soles), use cushioning pads; avoid friction until settled.
Sun protection (exposed sites, once closed): CF SPF Clear / CF SPF Gold / CF SPF Bronze daily to reduce pigment change.
Scar optimisation (after epithelialisation): consider Improscar Patch or Improscar Stick 50 as advised.

Important: increasing redness, swelling, pus, severe pain or fever are red flags — contact us/your GP.

Safety & Potential Risks

All procedures carry small risks (pain, blistering, infection, scarring, pigment change). We match the technique to your site, skin type and goals; use medical‑grade equipment; and provide clear aftercare to minimise downtime and complications.

Expected Outcomes

Many patients see size/height reduction quickly with in‑clinic care; resistant verrucae often need a short series of treatments. Comfort improves as pressure pain reduces. Recurrence risk falls when hygiene steps and footwear strategies are followed. We’ll agree a realistic endpoint and maintenance advice.

Patient Experience

“After two cryo sessions and a clear home plan, the verruca stopped hurting when I ran — it’s finally gone.”
— Verified Skinhorizon wart‑removal patient

Why Choose Skinhorizon for Wart Removal?

Consultant‑led: precise diagnosis (dermoscopy) and a plan that fits your life.
Full toolkit: topicals, cryotherapy, CO₂ laser, PDT and minor surgery — chosen for your site and goals.
Clear written guidance: clinic day steps, home routine and prevention pointers.
Regulated setting: CQC‑regulated processes and medical‑grade equipment.
Sports & lifestyle aware: pain‑relief strategies for pressure areas; return‑to‑sport advice.

Book Your Consultation

Get a targeted plan to clear warts and keep them away.

Call Us Book Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do warts go away on their own?

Sometimes — but persistent or painful warts often need treatment. We’ll choose the fastest sensible route for your site and lifestyle.

Is cryotherapy painful?

It can sting for a short time. Sessions are quick; we can pare callus first and advise pain‑relief and cushioning for pressure areas.

What if the wart returns?

We adjust the plan and tackle spread risks. Combining methods and tightening hygiene usually prevents recurrence.

Will treatment leave a scar?

There’s a small risk with any destructive method. We select techniques and aftercare to minimise this and discuss site‑specific expectations beforehand.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies by site, depth and response. Plantar verrucae usually need a short series; small hand warts may clear faster.

This page was reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist, last updated August 2025.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary, and all medical and aesthetic procedures carry risks and potential complications which will be fully discussed during your consultation. Suitability for treatment can only be determined following an in-person assessment with a qualified healthcare professional at Skinhorizon Clinic.

Sources:

← Back to Treatments