(See Section 2 for Nd:YAG verruca treatment aftercare)

What to Expect After CO2 laser Verruca Treatment

Your verruca(s) on the sole(s) of your foot have been removed using CO2 laser ablation. Because of the location on a weight-bearing surface, healing takes longer and requires special care to prevent infection and optimise recovery. The treated area will be tender and may affect your walking temporarily.

Timeline of Healing

• Days 0-2: Soreness, possible swelling, sensitivity
• Days 3-7: Wound begins to dry; scab formation starts
• Days 7-14: Scab hardens; area remains sensitive
• Weeks 2-4: Scab falls off; new skin underneath still tender
• Weeks 4-6: New skin toughens; sensitivity reduces
• Months 2-3: Skin normalises; full weight-bearing comfortable

Immediate Post-Treatment (Day 0)

Initial Wound Dressing

• A protective non-adherent dressing with antibiotic ointment will be applied before you leave
• This provides cushioning and protects the wound from dirt and pressure
• Keep the dressing clean and dry for 24-48 hours

Pain Management

• Discomfort is normal, especially when walking
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed
• Elevate your foot when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling
• Apply ice around (not directly on) the dressing for 10-15 minutes every 2 hours if swollen

Walking

• Avoid putting full weight on the treated foot for the first 24-48 hours if possible
• Use crutches if provided or needed for comfort
• Walk gently on your heel or side of foot to avoid pressure on the wound
• Limit walking for the first few days

Days 1-7: Initial Healing Phase

Dressing Changes

• After 24-48 hours, remove the initial dressing
• The wound will appear raw, red, or have a white/yellow appearance—this is normal
• Begin daily dressing changes

Cleansing

• Wash the treated area gently once daily
• Use lukewarm water and mild soap or saline solution
• Pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel—moisture promotes infection
• Ensure the area is completely dry before applying ointment and dressing

Applying Medication

• Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (Fucidin, Bactroban, or as directed)
• Alternatively, use Vaseline or Aquaphor
• Cover with a non-adherent pad (e.g., Melolin, Atrauman)
• Secure with surgical tape or a protective plaster

Protecting the Wound

• Keep the dressing clean and dry at all times
• Change the dressing immediately if it becomes wet, dirty, or soiled
• Protect from dirt, dust, and contamination
• Wear clean socks daily
• Use protective waterproof covering when showering (plastic bag secured above the ankle)

Days 7-21: Scab Formation and Healing

Scab Development

• A thick, protective scab will form over the wound
• Do not pick, remove, or interfere with the scab
• Continue keeping the area clean and covered
• The scab will eventually fall off on its own (typically 2-4 weeks)

Continued Wound Care

• Continue daily cleansing and dressing changes
• Keep applying ointment to the edges of the scab to keep it supple
• Once the scab is well-established and dry, you may reduce dressing changes to every 2-3 days if the area stays clean

Weight-Bearing

• Gradually increase weight-bearing as tolerated
• You may need to wear cushioned footwear or a padded insole
• Avoid excessive walking, running, or standing for prolonged periods
• Do not resume sports or strenuous activity involving the feet

Weeks 3-6: Recovery Phase

As Scab Falls Off

• New pink skin will be revealed underneath
• This skin is initially fragile and sensitive
• Continue protecting the area with dressing for another 1-2 weeks
• Apply moisturiser to keep new skin supple

Footwear

• Wear well-cushioned, supportive shoes
• Avoid tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable footwear
• Consider gel pads or cushioned insoles for additional comfort
• Do not go barefoot in public areas

Activity

• Gradually return to normal activities as comfort allows
• Avoid high-impact activities (running, jumping) for 4-6 weeks
• Listen to your body—if the area hurts, reduce activity

Activity and Lifestyle Restrictions

Avoid for 2 Weeks Minimum:

• Swimming pools, hot tubs, communal showers (risk of infection and reinfection)
• Walking barefoot, especially in public or dirty areas
• Excessive walking or standing
• Strenuous exercise involving the feet
• Tight or poorly fitting shoes

Avoid for 4-6 Weeks:

• Running, jogging, or jumping
• Contact sports
• Gym activities involving foot pressure (e.g., weights, treadmill)
• Going barefoot in communal areas (gyms, changing rooms, pool areas)

Essential Precautions:

• Keep feet clean and dry at all times
• Change socks daily
• Do not share towels, socks, or footwear
• Wear flip-flops in communal changing rooms even after healing

Preventing Infection (Critical for Foot Wounds)

Foot wounds are at high risk of infection due to:

• Exposure to dirt, sweat, and bacteria
• Moist environment inside shoes
• Pressure and friction from walking

To Reduce Infection Risk:

• Keep the area as dry as possible
• Change dressings daily or when wet
• Wash and dry feet thoroughly daily
• Wear breathable, clean socks
• Avoid prolonged periods in shoes (air feet at home when safe)
• Monitor for signs of infection

Pain and Discomfort Management

Pain is Normal:

• Expect tenderness for 2-4 weeks, especially with weight-bearing
• Take regular pain relief as needed (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Elevate foot when resting
• Use cushioned insoles

If Pain Worsens or Becomes Severe:

• Contact the clinic—may indicate infection or other complication

Signs of Infection

Contact Dr Brad's clinic immediately if you notice:

• Increasing pain, redness, warmth, or swelling after Day 3
• Red streaks extending up the foot or leg
• Yellow or green pus or foul-smelling discharge
• Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
• The wound becomes hot to touch
• Lymph nodes in the groin become swollen or tender

Special Considerations

Diabetic Patients

• Foot wounds require extra vigilance
• Healing may be slower
• Infection risk is higher
• Monitor blood sugar levels carefully
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Contact the clinic promptly if any concerns

Multiple Verrucas Treated

• Recovery may take longer
• Weight-bearing may be more challenging
• Crutches or walking aids may be necessary
• Follow the same care instructions for all sites

Expected Results and Recurrence

Success Rate

• CO2 laser ablation has a good success rate for verrucas
• Most verrucas resolve after a single treatment
• Healing is typically complete by 4-6 weeks

Recurrence

• Verrucas are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Recurrence can occur if the virus remains in your system
• New verrucas may develop in other locations
• Recurrence rate is similar to other verruca treatments

Preventing Reinfection:

• Do not walk barefoot in public places
• Wear flip-flops in communal showers and pool areas
• Do not share towels, socks, or shoes
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Disinfect shower floors at home
• Dispose of old footwear that may harbour the virus

Long-Term Care

Once Fully Healed:

• The treated area may initially be pink or slightly different in colour
• Colour typically normalises over 3-6 months
• The area may be slightly sensitive to pressure initially
• Gradually resume all normal activities
• Use moisturiser to keep skin supple
• Monitor for any signs of recurrence

Scar Management:

• Minimal scarring is expected with proper care
• The sole of the foot naturally has thicker skin
• Any texture changes usually improve over time

Follow-Up

• A follow-up appointment may be arranged to check healing progress
• Report any concerns about healing, infection, or recurrence
• If the verruca recurs, additional treatment can be provided.

General Advice for All CO2 Laser Treatments

Lifestyle Factors That Support Healing

Nutrition

• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc
• Stay well hydrated (2 litres water daily)
• Avoid alcohol for at least 7-14 days post-treatment (impairs healing)

Smoking

• Do not smoke during the healing period
• Smoking dramatically impairs wound healing and collagen formation
• Increases risk of infection and poor scarring

Sleep

• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
• Sleep with head elevated if facial treatment
• Clean pillowcases daily during healing

Stress

• Minimise stress—stress hormones can impair healing
• Rest and relax during the recovery period

Sun Protection Cannot Be Overstated

Why Sun Protection is Critical:

• UV exposure on healing or recently healed skin can cause permanent hyperpigmentation (dark marks)
• This is especially important for patients with darker skin types (Fitzpatrick III-VI)
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can take months to years to fade if it occurs

How to Protect:

• Use SPF 50 broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen daily
• Reapply every 2 hours outdoors
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
• Seek shade
• Avoid sun exposure between 10am-4pm
• Use sun protection even on cloudy days and indoors near windows

Contact Information

For any concerns, questions, or complications, please contact us.

In Case of Emergency:
If you experience severe symptoms outside of clinic hours (severe pain, signs of serious infection, allergic reaction, breathing difficulties), seek immediate medical attention at your nearest Emergency Department or call 999.

 

Final Notes

These aftercare instructions are based on current best practice and are designed to optimise your healing and results. Every patient heals differently, and you may experience variations from the timelines described. The most important principles are:

1. Keep the treated area moist (for resurfacing) or clean and protected (for lesion removal)
2. Do not pick, scratch, or interfere with scabs or peeling skin
3. Protect from sun exposure rigorously
4. Watch for signs of infection and seek help promptly
5. Follow the instructions exactly as provided

Your commitment to proper aftercare will directly impact your results. If you have any questions or concerns at any point during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Brad's clinic.

We are here to support you through your healing journey and help you achieve the best possible outcomes.

 

This section explains what to expect after Nd:YAG laser treatment for verrucas (warts) and how to care for the treated area.

Nd:YAG laser treatment works by targeting the blood supply feeding the verruca. It does not usually create an open wound, but the treated area will undergo inflammatory and healing changes over the following days and weeks.

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What to expect after treatment

It is normal to experience some or all of the following:

• Pain or tenderness in the treated area

  • Often described as a deep ache or bruised sensation

  • May be worse on weight-bearing areas of the foot

  • Usually settles over several days

• Redness or swelling around the verruca

• Darkening or blackening of the verruca

  • This is expected and indicates vascular injury

• Thickening, hardening or crusting of the lesion over time

• Gradual reduction in size over weeks rather than days

Improvement is often delayed, as the immune response and tissue remodelling take time.

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Pain management

• You may take paracetamol or ibuprofen (if normally safe for you)

• Avoid aspirin unless prescribed

• Limit prolonged walking or high-impact activity for 24–48 hours

• If the foot is sore, reduce pressure where possible

Pain can occasionally persist for longer, especially after treatment of plantar verrucas.

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Foot care and hygiene

• Keep the area clean and dry

• Normal washing is fine

• Pat dry after bathing

• Do not pick, pare or cut the verruca yourself

• Avoid aggressive filing or pumice stones

You do not need dressings unless advised otherwise.

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Footwear and activity

• Wear comfortable, cushioned footwear

• Avoid tight or rigid shoes for several days if the area is sore

• Sports and running can usually be resumed once tissue has visibly calmed and is not excessively red, swollen or fragile and discomfort allows

• If walking is painful, reduce activity temporarily rather than pushing through

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What NOT to do

• Do not apply:

  • Over-the-counter acids

  • Freezing products

  • Caustic wart treatments
    unless specifically advised by your doctor

• Do not attempt to remove the verruca yourself

• Do not soak the foot excessively

These can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.

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Infection and complications (uncommon)

Contact the clinic if you experience:

• Increasing redness spreading beyond the verruca

• Severe or worsening pain after several days

• Pus, discharge or signs of infection

• Fever or systemic symptoms

Minor redness, tenderness and delayed healing are common and not signs of infection.

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Treatment response and further sessions

• Nd:YAG verruca treatment is often staged

• Multiple sessions are commonly required

• Some verrucas respond quickly; others are resistant

• Lack of immediate change does not mean treatment has failed

Response is assessed over time, not within the first few days.

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When to book your next appointment

• Follow-up or further treatment is usually considered after 3–4 weeks

• Do not book repeat treatment sooner unless specifically advised

• If there is minimal response after several sessions, this will be discussed honestly

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Important reminder

Laser treatment cannot guarantee clearance of all verrucas. The aim is to provide a safe, controlled medical treatment that gives your body the best chance to clear the virus, without unnecessary injury.

If you have any concerns, please contact the clinic for advice.