Veruccas - one opinion

Veruccas, like most subjects to do with health and swimming, stimulate much debate and conflicting opinions based variously on science, cod-science, hearsay, "what-mum-said," and accepted practice.

The ASA have issued an advice document that can be read HERE.

One thing is for sure: it is hard to die from a verucca... but that doesn't stop some people trying.

There are products on the market that claim to assist in the removal of plantar warts. They seem to work by starving the wart of oxygen and causing it to rot to a point when it, and its considerable root, can be swiftly plucked out. Sadly in some cases, by accident and improper use, this same process can be enacted upon the flesh surrounding the wart. Without great care and good fortune, in these cases, it can lead to infection.

Even if there is no infection arising from the treatment and the wart is succesfully removed it is possible to build up areas of scar tissue on parts of the body (the feet) that will be in constant use throughout your life or the life of your child.

While these treatments may act swiftly and can be efficacious other people within swimming have suggested other opinions and counsel against 'home-surgery' or DIY growth removal. Where no pain is endured it is possible to let the verucca run its course. After the initial infection the virus is inside the swimmer looking for ways out.

Whilst not inexpensive all attempts to deal with warts should start with a trip to your GP or the practice nurse at your GP's surgery, or a chiropodist. Any action should be considered with the greatest care and a keen sense of perspective about the condition, its effect on the swimmer and the effect on the swimmer of a break from training and physical activity due to an infection of the foot. Any procedures and interventions should be undertaken under stringent medical advice and with a medically trained doctor undertaking any treatments.