Verruca Needling (Faulkner’s)

What is Verruca Needling?

Verruca needling is an effective minor surgical procedure used to treat stubborn verrucae that have not responded to conservative measures e.g. salicylic acid, silver nitrate, cryotherapy. This method has a success rate of 70% with only one treatment. Occasionally two sessions are required.  

What To Expect?

-      The area to be needled is numbed with local anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic takes effect the needling is painless.

-      The area is cleansed before injecting a fine, sterile needle into the verruca (if you have multiple verrucae, only the largest verruca is treated).

-      The area is dressed and kept in place for a few days.

-      It is recommended to avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours after the procedure.

-      A follow up appointment is booked to assess the scab post procedure. It is reviewed 6 months later to review the response.

How Does Verruca Needling Work?

Verrucae are formed by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It lies between the dermis (inner most layer of skin) and epidermis (outer most layer of skin). Verruca are often missed by the bodies immune system. Needling pushes the viral cells into the dermal layer of the skin, here the immune cells are present in higher numbers triggering a localised immune response.

Is Verruca Needling Suitable For Me?

Compared to alternative treatments, this treatment has a higher success rate. Typically, the procedure is a one off treatment requiring less treatment time and follow up appointments. There is less self maintenance and no need to continually apply dressings or caustics to the are.

 If this sounds like the treatment for you, please get in touch if you have any questions.

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