Warts & Verrucas — Hyde Park Pharmacy Leeds

Both are small, rough growths of skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). A verruca is simply a wart on the sole of the foot — pressure flattens it, and it can feel like standing on a small stone. They're harmless and very common, especially in children, and usually clear on their own — though that can take months or even years.

Treatments & products

GSL Cryotag Skin Tag Remover 80ml Cryotag Skin Tag Remover is a home cryotherapy kit that freezes the stalk of a skin tag... only £22.99 View ›

P Avoca Wart & Verruca Treatment Set Avoca Wart & Verruca Treatment is a silver nitrate caustic pencil, supplied with an... only £7.99 View ›

P Duofilm Wart and Verruca Paint 15ml Duofilm is a paint-on solution of salicylic and lactic acid for treating common warts... only £5.49 View ›

GSL Bazuka Sub-Zero Freeze Treatment Bazuka Sub-Zero is a home freezing device for warts on the hands and verrucas on the... only £13.99 View ›

GSL Bazuka Extra Strength Gel 5 g Clinically proven gel to treat verrucas and common warts on the hands and feet only £6.45 View ›

P Bazuka Gel 5g Bazuka Gel is a salicylic acid and lactic acid treatment for warts, verrucas, corns and... only £5.49 View ›

Warts & Verrucas — your questions, answered

How can I treat a wart or verruca?

Salicylic-acid gels such as Bazuka Extra Strength gradually soften and break down the wart, and are suitable for adults and children aged 2 and over. Treatment takes persistence — regular use over several weeks, often up to three months — and it's worth protecting the healthy skin around it. Our pharmacist can talk you through using it properly.

Are warts and verrucas contagious?

Mildly, yes — the virus spreads by skin contact and via damp surfaces like swimming-pool floors and shared showers. Don't share towels, socks or shoes, avoid picking or scratching, and cover a verruca with a waterproof plaster or verruca sock when swimming. Most people who come into contact with the virus never develop one.

When should I see a GP or pharmacist instead of self-treating?

Don't use wart gels on your face or genitals, or on broken skin — and check with our pharmacist first if you have diabetes or poor circulation, as home treatments can damage skin that heals poorly. See your GP if a growth bleeds, changes shape or colour, is very painful, or you're not sure it's a wart at all.

Information only — always read the patient leaflet and ask our pharmacist if you're unsure. Prescription treatments are supplied only after a consultation and our pharmacist's approval.