Warts and Verrucas in the UK
As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating health concerns in the UK, even common ones, can be confusing. This guide demystifies warts and verrucas, exploring everything from their causes to your treatment options, including how private medical insurance can offer a faster path to clear skin.
WeCovr explains causes, treatments, and private dermatology pathways
Warts and verrucas are incredibly common skin complaints. While usually harmless, they can be persistent, unsightly, and sometimes painful, prompting many to seek treatment. Understanding what they are, why they appear, and how to treat them is the first step towards managing them effectively.
This comprehensive guide will cover:
- The fundamental difference between warts and verrucas.
- How they are caused and transmitted.
- The range of treatments available, from over-the-counter remedies to advanced private procedures.
- The role of the NHS and the current landscape for treatment.
- How private medical insurance (PMI) can provide a fast-track route to specialist dermatology care.
What Exactly Are Warts and Verrucas?
At their core, warts and verrucas are the same thing: small, rough growths on the skin caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The name simply changes based on where they appear on thebody.
- Warts: These typically grow on the hands, knuckles, and knees. They often have a rough, "cauliflower-like" surface and may have tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels.
- Verrucas: These are warts that develop on the soles of the feet. The pressure from walking and standing often forces them to grow inwards, making them flat. They can be painful, feeling like you have a small stone in your shoe.
They are benign (non-cancerous) growths caused by an infection in the top layer of your skin. While anyone can get them, they are most prevalent in children and young adults.
How Common Are Warts and Verrucas in the UK?
Pinpointing exact figures is challenging, as most people self-treat without seeing a doctor. However, data from UK healthcare bodies and dermatological studies provides a clear picture of their prevalence.
According to NHS guidance, most people in the UK will have a wart at some point in their life. They are particularly common in schoolchildren, with some studies suggesting a prevalence of up to 30% in this age group.
Key UK Statistics and Trends:
- Peak Age: The incidence of warts and verrucas peaks between the ages of 12 and 16.
- Spontaneous Resolution: The good news is that the body's immune system often fights off the virus over time. The NHS estimates that in children, around two-thirds of warts will disappear on their own within two years without any treatment. In adults, this can take longer.
- Dermatology Referrals: While common, they represent a significant number of consultations. Before changes in commissioning, warts and verrucas accounted for a substantial portion of GP and dermatology appointments.
The Culprit: Understanding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The cause of all warts is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It's important to understand that there are over 100 different strains of HPV. The strains that cause common warts and verrucas (like HPV types 2, 4, 27, and 57) are generally harmless and are not the same high-risk strains associated with certain types of cancer.
How is the virus transmitted?
HPV thrives in warm, moist environments. You can catch the virus through:
- Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact: Shaking hands with someone who has a wart or direct contact with a verruca.
- Indirect Contact: Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. This is a very common route of transmission. Think of:
- Communal changing room floors
- Swimming pool surrounds
- Shared towels, shoes, or socks
The virus enters your body through tiny cuts, scratches, or weak spots in the outer layer of your skin. This is why people with wet skin or existing skin damage (like eczema) are more susceptible.
A Guide to Different Types of Warts
While "wart" and "verruca" are the most common terms, several distinct types exist, each with a slightly different appearance.
| Type of Wart | Common Location(s) | Appearance | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Warts | Hands, fingers, knees | Firm, raised, rough surface. Often dome-shaped. | The classic "cauliflower" look. May have black dots. |
| Plantar Warts (Verrucas) | Soles of the feet | Flat, hard, and thick. Often have a central black dot. | Can be painful due to pressure from walking. |
| Plane Warts | Face, back of hands, legs | Small, smooth, and flat-topped. Can be yellowish or brown. | Often appear in large numbers or clusters. |
| Filiform Warts | Face, neck, eyelids | Long, thin, finger-like projections. | Tend to grow quickly. |
| Mosaic Warts | Soles of feet, palms of hands | Tight clusters of multiple verrucas or warts. | Can be difficult to treat as they cover a larger area. |
Treating Warts and Verrucas: From Pharmacy to Private Clinic
The approach to treatment often depends on the wart's location, the level of discomfort it's causing, and your personal preference. Many will resolve on their own, but if they are painful or persistent, treatment is a good option.
1. Self-Care and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Remedies
For most people, the first port of call is the local pharmacy. These treatments are cost-effective and can be successful for straightforward cases.
- Salicylic Acid: This is the most common and well-researched OTC treatment. It comes as a gel, paint, or medicated plaster. Salicylic acid works by softening the hard, warty skin, allowing you to gently file it away. It requires consistent daily application for several weeks or even months.
- Freezing Sprays (Cryotherapy): Pharmacy freezing sprays use a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane to freeze the wart. While they use the same principle as the liquid nitrogen used by doctors, they do not reach the same low temperatures and are generally less effective, often requiring multiple applications.
- Duct Tape: A popular home remedy involves covering the wart with a small piece of duct tape for several days, then soaking and filing the area. The scientific evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, but it's a low-cost, low-risk option to try.
Tips for Successful Self-Treatment:
- Be Patient: No OTC treatment works overnight. Persistence is key.
- Soak First: Soaking the wart in warm water for 5-10 minutes before applying treatment can help it penetrate better.
- File Gently: Use an emery board or pumice stone to gently file away the dead skin on the surface before each application (use a separate file for the wart and discard it after treatment is complete to avoid spreading the virus).
- Protect Surrounding Skin: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the healthy skin around the wart to protect it from irritation.
2. The NHS Treatment Pathway
In recent years, NHS policy across the UK has shifted. The treatment of routine, painless warts and verrucas is now considered a procedure of low clinical priority in many Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).
This means:
- Limited Availability: Your GP is unlikely to offer treatment like cryotherapy in-house unless there's a specific clinical need.
- Strict Referral Criteria: To be referred to an NHS dermatologist, the wart or verruca usually needs to be:
- Causing significant pain or affecting mobility.
- Extremely large or widespread (e.g., extensive mosaic warts).
- On a sensitive area (like the face or genitals).
- Persisting despite months of correct self-treatment.
- If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis.
- Long Waiting Times: Even if you meet the criteria, waiting times for a routine NHS dermatology appointment can be lengthy, often stretching for many months. According to NHS England data, the median wait for consultant-led elective care in dermatology was over 14 weeks as of early 2025.
Because of these limitations, many people who want faster, more definitive treatment are increasingly turning to the private sector.
The Private Dermatology Pathway: Fast-Track Your Treatment
This is where having the right private medical insurance UK policy can make a significant difference. Private healthcare offers a direct and speedy route to specialist care, bypassing NHS waiting lists and providing access to a wider range of advanced treatments.
The Critical Rule: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
It is essential to understand a fundamental principle of UK private medical insurance: standard policies do not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Condition: A wart or verruca that you have before your insurance policy starts is a pre-existing condition and will not be covered.
- Chronic Condition: Warts are typically considered an acute issue that can be resolved. However, if they become a long-term, recurring problem, they could be viewed as chronic and excluded from cover.
- Acute Condition: PMI is designed for new, unexpected, acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Therefore, if a new, painful, or problematic wart develops well after you've taken out your policy, it is more likely to be eligible for cover, subject to your policy's terms.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these rules and understand the specifics of what your chosen policy will and won't cover.
How the Private Pathway Works with PMI
If you develop a troublesome wart after your policy starts, the process is typically straightforward:
- GP Referral: Most insurers require a GP referral to ensure the condition is medically necessary to treat. You can use your NHS GP or a private GP service, which is often included as a benefit in modern PMI policies.
- Choose a Specialist: Your insurer will provide a list of approved dermatologists or clinics in your area. You get to choose who you see and where.
- Get Authorisation: You contact your insurer with your referral details to get the consultation and any subsequent treatment pre-authorised. This is a crucial step to ensure the costs will be covered.
- Prompt Treatment: You will be seen by the specialist, usually within a week or two. They will diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of treatment, which can often be performed on the same day.
Advanced Private Treatments for Stubborn Warts
The private sector offers a broader menu of treatments than is typically available on the NHS. These are highly effective options for warts and verrucas that haven't responded to other methods.
| Treatment Method | How It Works | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen) | A dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen (-196°C) to freeze and destroy the wart tissue. | Stubborn common warts and verrucas. | More powerful and effective than OTC sprays. May cause a blister and requires 1-4 sessions. |
| Curettage & Cautery | The wart is surgically scraped off (curettage) and the base is burned (cautery) to stop bleeding and destroy any remaining virus. | Large, protruding warts or persistent single verrucas. | Done under local anaesthetic. Highly effective, but can leave a small scar. |
| Laser Treatment | A pulsed dye laser targets the small blood vessels feeding the wart, cutting off its blood supply and killing the virus. | Difficult-to-treat warts, especially on the face or extensive mosaic verrucas. | Very precise and effective. Can be expensive and may require multiple sessions. |
| Topical Immunotherapy | Creams like Imiquimod or Diphencyprone (DCP) are prescribed to stimulate your body's own immune system to attack the HPV virus. | Widespread or multiple warts, particularly plane warts. | Takes several weeks to work. Can cause skin irritation as the immune response kicks in. |
| Needling | The verruca is punctured multiple times with a fine needle under local anaesthetic to push the viral particles deeper into the tissue, triggering a strong immune response. | Stubborn, solitary verrucas that have failed other treatments. | A relatively new but highly promising one-off treatment. The foot can be sore for a few days. |
NHS vs. Private Care for Warts: A Comparison
| Feature | NHS Pathway | Private Pathway (with PMI) |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting Times | Can be many months for a routine dermatology referral. | Typically 1-2 weeks to see a specialist. |
| Access to Treatment | Restricted by strict clinical priority criteria. | Access is based on your policy terms, not NHS rationing. |
| Choice of Specialist | You are referred to a specific hospital or clinic with little choice. | You can choose from a list of approved specialists and hospitals. |
| Treatment Options | Usually limited to basic treatments, if offered at all. | Access to advanced options like laser, needling, and immunotherapy. |
| Cost | Free at the point of use if you meet the criteria. | Covered by your monthly insurance premium (subject to policy excess). |
| Comfort & Convenience | Appointments are during standard working hours in NHS facilities. | Flexible appointment times in comfortable private hospitals, often with ensuite rooms. |
Wellness and Prevention: Keeping Warts and Verrucas at Bay
While you can't completely eliminate the risk, simple wellness and hygiene habits can significantly reduce your chances of catching or spreading HPV.
- Wear Footwear: Always wear flip-flops or pool shoes in communal showers, changing rooms, and around swimming pools.
- Keep Feet Dry: Change your socks daily and dry your feet thoroughly after washing. HPV loves moisture.
- Don't Share: Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes with others.
- Cover Up: If you have a wart or verruca, cover it with a waterproof plaster when swimming or using communal facilities.
- Avoid Scratching: Don't pick or scratch at a wart, as this can spread the virus to other parts of your body or to other people.
- Support Your Immune System: A strong immune system is your best defence. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night), and managing stress can help your body fight off viruses like HPV more effectively.
As part of our commitment to holistic wellbeing, WeCovr provides all our health and life insurance clients with complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered nutrition and calorie tracking app, to help you support your immune health from the inside out.
Finding the Right Private Health Cover
Choosing the best PMI provider can feel overwhelming. Policies differ in their level of outpatient cover, hospital lists, and specific exclusions. This is where an independent broker provides immense value.
At WeCovr, our expert advisers do the hard work for you. We compare policies from across the market to find cover that fits your needs and budget, explaining the details in plain English. We are an independent, FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, dedicated to finding you the right solution at no extra cost to you. Plus, clients who purchase private medical or life insurance through us often receive discounts on other types of cover.
Will my private medical insurance cover treatment for a verruca I already have?
Is wart removal considered a cosmetic procedure by insurers?
How can a PMI broker like WeCovr help me?
Do I always need a GP referral for private dermatology?
Ready to take control of your health and explore the benefits of fast, private treatment?
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
Our Group Is Proud To Have Issued 800,000+ Policies!
We've established collaboration agreements with leading insurance groups to create tailored coverage
How It Works
1. Complete a brief form
2. Our experts analyse your information and find you best quotes
3. Enjoy your protection!
Any questions?
Learn more
Who Are WeCovr?
WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
Just a quick and simple form and an easy conversation with one of our experts and your valuable insurance policy is in place for that needed peace of mind!