Dr Ellie on warts: NHS skips them, try this instead.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

TL;DR

The story at a glance

A reader asks Dr Ellie Cannon about two ugly warts on their left foot. She explains they are harmless HPV growths, common on feet as verrucas from wet floors or skin breaks. The piece is reported now as her Mail on Sunday column answering public health queries.[[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15707637/How-deal-horrible-warts-NHS-doesnt-want-know-DR-ELLIE-instead.html)

Key points

Details and context

Warts thrive where skin meets moisture and grit, like public changing rooms, making them common in kids and swimmers. Filing dead skin before applying salicylic acid boosts results, though full instructions come with products. Cryotherapy stings briefly but targets stubborn verrucas well, often needing repeats.

NHS focus stays on urgent care, leaving cosmetic or minor fixes to private options or home efforts. Dr Ellie stresses they are not cancer or serious, just annoying.

Key quotes

Dr Ellie Cannon: "Warts are small, rough growths triggered by a viral infection. They are not dangerous and can – with some persistence – be removed."[[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15707637/How-deal-horrible-warts-NHS-doesnt-want-know-DR-ELLIE-instead.html)

Dr Ellie Cannon: "In most cases, having them removed isn’t something the NHS can assist with."[[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15707637/How-deal-horrible-warts-NHS-doesnt-want-know-DR-ELLIE-instead.html)

Why it matters

Warts affect millions yearly, tying up time and self-esteem without real danger. Readers can treat affordably at home or privately, skipping NHS waits for trivial cases. Watch if a wart changes fast or bleeds, then see a GP to rule out rare issues.