VERRUCAE TREATMENT – FALKNER’S NEEDLING TECHNIQUE
Patient advice leaflet
Recommended for stubborn Verrucae in Adults (age18+), for lesions that have been present for 2 years and above and for patients that have tried several treatments with no success.
The treatment is NOT suitable for those with decreased immunity such as those taking Steroids or Chemotherapy amongst other drugs. Patients with Diabetes will be carefully examined for their suitability.
Aim of treatment
Verrucae in younger patients usually respond better to treatment, as the dermal layer of the skin is much thinner, the body’s immune system can more easily recognise the virus and respond by producing antigens. Most Verrucae treatments are aimed to evoke the body’s immune response, whether it be freezing or acid treatments. The needling techniques aim is to push the viral cells deeper into the dermis to evoke this immune response.
Success rate
The success rate of patient satisfaction is very high. Most patients are pleased with the results as they usually have a large or painful lesion that affects their daily lives. Most lesions reduce in size and become less or non-painful, sometimes a second, third treatment is needed. The actual complete resolution (the Verrucae no longer being present at all),statistics vary. In the first trial (Ivan Bristow) the results suggested a 69% effectiveness, while the latest paper suggests 30%. However, all patients reported an improvement in the quality of their lives due to decrease in size and pain.
What is involved?
Initial consultation
A thorough medical examination of patient suitability is carried out on the initial consultation and the patient will be required to give consent. The procedure will be fully explained and a letter written to the Gp to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate.
Day of Procedure
The procedure takes between 45-60 minutes. Patients MUST ensure that they have a lift home as they will be unable to drive. The procedure involves a tibial block, an injection is given at the ankle, the whole of the foot will be numb for 1.5 hours.
Once the foot is numb the callus is debrided from the area and a fine needle is inserted into the lesion multiple times to push the viral cells deeper into the dermis, this may take a while if the lesion is large.
A dressing will then be applied and the patient must rest for the next 24 hours. The dressing must be left clean,dry and intact until the next visit 7 days later when the lesion will then be carefully debrided to remove the scab and dressed again. The next visit will be 12 weeks later as this will give the immune system chance to react. If necessary the procedure can be repeated at 16 weeks post-op.
COST
- Initial consultation, medical assessment and letter to GP – £30.00
- Needling procedure, including Local Anaesthetic costs, dressing on the day and dressing 7 days later – £150.00
Review at 12 weeks is free of charge and any repeat of the procedure will be offered at a reduced rate of – £100.00