Warts & Verruca

Warts & Verruca Treatment in Neath – Free NHS Advice & Support

BOOK AN NHS COMMON AILMENT APPOINTMENT FOR WARTS OR VERRUCA TREATMENT

Warts and verrucae are common skin growths caused by a virus. They’re usually harmless but can be annoying or uncomfortable — especially if they’re on the hands or feet. At The Health Dispensary and Neath Pharmacy, our pharmacists offer free NHS advice and treatment to help manage or remove them, when suitable.

What Are Warts and Verrucae?

Warts are rough lumps on the skin, often found on the hands, knees or fingers. Verrucae are warts that appear on the soles of the feet — they may feel like standing on a stone and can be painful. Both are caused by strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Common features include:

• Small, rough, raised skin lumps
• Pain when walking (verrucae)
• Black dots in the centre (tiny blood vessels)
• Skin that appears thicker or hardened

Do I Need Treatment?

Warts and verrucae often go away on their own within a couple of years — but some people choose treatment if they’re painful, spreading, or bothersome. Treatment can take time and requires regular application of salicylic acid. We’ll help you decide whether treatment is the best option.

When to See a GP Instead

We’ll refer you to your GP if:
• The wart is on your face or private areas
• It is bleeding, changing appearance, or has hair growing from it
• You have diabetes, poor circulation, or weakened immunity
• The area is infected, extremely sore, or hasn’t improved after 12 weeks of treatment

Treatment Options

We may recommend a topical treatment such as salicylic acid. This works by gradually softening and breaking down the thickened skin. Options include gels, paints or medicated plasters. It’s important to apply the treatment consistently, often daily, for up to 12 weeks.

Tips to Prevent Spread

• Don’t share socks, shoes, or towels
• Avoid scratching or picking at warts
• Wear flip-flops in communal showers
• Keep feet dry and change socks daily
• Cover warts with a waterproof plaster when swimming

Book an Appointment

You can book a free NHS consultation online or visit one of our pharmacy branches in Neath. If NHS treatment isn’t suitable, we may be able to support you privately — just ask.

FAQs about Warts and Verrucae

Q: Are warts and verrucae dangerous?
A: No – they are harmless and often clear up on their own, but they can be bothersome or painful.

Q: Can I catch a verruca from swimming?
A: The virus spreads in damp areas like pool floors, so wear flip-flops and cover any warts when swimming.

Q: How long does treatment take?
A: Treatment may take up to 12 weeks. It’s important to apply it consistently.

Q: What if I’ve tried treatment and it hasn’t worked?
A: We may refer you to your GP if the wart doesn’t improve after 12 weeks or shows unusual features.