Wart Removals

Sentinel Healthcare CIC provides expert private wart removal for patients across Plymouth, Exeter, Barnstaple, North Devon and South East Cornwall. Our experienced clinicians assess and treat common warts and other benign skin lesions using safe, effective procedures in a modern clinical setting.

Whether your wart is painful, persistent, affecting your confidence or causing discomfort during everyday activities, our experienced GP clinicians can assess the lesion and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What Is a Wart?

A wart is a small, non-cancerous skin growth caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can develop almost anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the hands and fingers.

Warts vary in appearance and may occur individually or in clusters. Some types of wart are more common on certain areas of the body. For example, verrucas are warts that develop on the soles of the feet.

Although warts are harmless, they can occasionally resemble other skin conditions. Any new or changing skin lesion should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Why Do Warts Develop?

Warts develop when the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks.

The virus causes an overproduction of keratin, a naturally occurring protein found in the skin. This creates the rough, raised surface that is characteristic of a wart.

Warts can spread through:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact.
• Contact with contaminated surfaces, such as swimming pool surrounds or communal changing rooms.
• Sharing personal items such as towels, although this is less common.

You are more likely to develop a wart if your skin is damaged or regularly exposed to warm, damp environments.

When Should a Wart Be Removed?

Many warts disappear naturally without treatment, although this can take several months or even years.

You may wish to consider private wart removal if your wart:

• Causes pain or discomfort.
• Is growing or spreading.
• Is located on a visible area such as the hands or face.
• Affects your confidence.
• Interferes with work, hobbies or daily activities.
• Has not responded to over-the-counter treatments.

Our clinicians will assess the wart and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on its size, location and appearance.

Wart Removal Treatment

Treatment will depend on the type, size and location of the wart.

Depending on your individual circumstances, treatment may include:

• Minor surgical removal.
• Cryotherapy (freezing the wart), where clinically appropriate.
• Other clinically appropriate treatment options recommended during your consultation.

Some procedures may require a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort.

Most treatments are carried out during a single appointment, allowing you to return home shortly afterwards with full aftercare advice.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

Your appointment includes both your consultation and, where clinically appropriate, treatment on the same day.

Your visit typically includes:

• Assessment of your wart.
• Discussion of your diagnosis and treatment options.
• Wart removal where appropriate.
• Local anaesthetic where required.
• Aftercare advice and follow-up recommendations.

Where clinically appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for histology (laboratory analysis) for additional reassurance. We will share the results with both you and your GP if this is required.

Why Choose Sentinel Healthcare CIC?

Our private wart removal service is delivered by experienced GPs with Extended Roles (GPwERs) and Associate Clinicians with extensive expertise in dermatology and minor skin surgery.

Your fixed treatment price includes:

• Initial consultation.
• Minor procedure where appropriate.
• Modern clinical facilities.
• Experienced nursing support.
• Local anaesthetic where required.
• Dressings and consumables.
• Histology where clinically appropriate.
• Follow-up correspondence to you and your GP.

We pride ourselves on delivering prompt appointments, exceptional patient care and the highest possible clinical standards.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Although most warts are harmless, you should seek medical advice if a skin lesion:

• Bleeds.
• Changes in size, shape or colour.
• Spreads rapidly.
• Becomes painful.
• Causes significant discomfort or embarrassment.
• Is difficult to identify or causes concern.

If, during your assessment, we believe the lesion requires further investigation rather than routine wart removal, we will explain our findings and recommend the appropriate NHS referral pathway. Your health and safety will always be our highest priority.