As noted in the treatments page, there are several treatments for
verrucas.
However, it is becoming clear that the 1064nm ND:YAG laser has
many advantages over most other treatments.
Being a laser treatment, the actual
treatment session itself is quick.
The chiropodist may need to clear some to
the dead skin overlying the verruca, but the actual laser treatment
of the verruca itself is quick.
Pulses of laser energy are used to destroy the verruca cells -
and research has shown that the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser that we use,
also destroys the virus that causes the verruca in the first place.
Research has been published showing that when verruca treatments
were compared, cryotherapy (freezing verrucas) and chemical therapy
both destroyed the verruca cells, but still left active virus
particles (HPV or Human Papilloma Virus) behind.
In contrast, the 1064nm Nd:YAG laser destroyed the cells AND the
active virus particles.
Of course laser heats the area, and so we use ice or a cold air
blower to cool the skin down as we treat it.
Laser is also more expensive per session than other treatments as
the laser is an expensive bit of kit. However, as 60 - 70% of
verrucas disappear within 3 sessions, overall it usually works out
both quicker and less expensive than other treatments.
See what one of our patients has said about his experience at The
Whiteley Clinic on our patient
testimonial page.