Dr Phil Kieran: What is the best way to treat my son’s verruca?

A verruca is a wart on the foot. These can differ slightly from warts elsewhere in that they tend to be flat or even grow inwards, due to the pressure on the foot preventing it from growing outwards.

Most warts in children or teenagers will resolve within six months to two years, even if no action is taken to speed up the healing process.

My 10-year-old picked up a verruca from a hotel swimming pool while we were on holidays abroad. I know I could use an over-the-counter preparation to remove it, but I’ve heard it’s better to let it heal in its own time. 

I’m concerned that if I take this natural route, my son might pass the virus to another child at the local swimming pool.