University puts verrucas on trial
Posted on 27 September 2007
Now researchers at the University of York have announced a new clinical trial to establish the most effective solution for dealing with this irritating and painful problem.
The York Trials Unit, in the University’s Department of Health Sciences, will work with health professionals in at least three locations across the country to investigate which of two common treatments for verrucas - freezing with liquid nitrogen or an acid paste - is the most effective in terms of results and cost.
The information we get from this study should help us to treat future patients with verrucas more effectively
Sarah Cockayne
Patients volunteering to take part in the trial will be treated by qualified podiatrists while University researchers will analyse the data. Volunteers are being recruited in Northampton, Huddersfield and Eastbourne.
Verrucas are a common viral infection and can be a painful problem. Though most will disappear eventually without treatment, patients often seek help if their verruca is painful, or if they are prevented from taking part in sport. Almost two million people see their GP about verrucas and warts each year, costing the NHS at least £40 million.
There are many different ways to treat verrucas but it is unclear which treatment is best. Since verrucas are seen as a minor condition, few clinical trials have been funded into the best methods for dealing with them.
Trial co-ordinator Sarah Cockayne said: "We hope to study 266 patients in total and want to hear from people aged 12 to 24 years who have a verruca and are interested in taking part in the trial."
Patients will be asked to help for six months, but the treatments will only last for a maximum of eight weeks. Half the patients will be asked to treat themselves daily with the acid paste, as directed, up to a maximum of eight weeks.
The other half will be treated with the freezing technique, applied by a podiatrist or health care professional, with re-treatment at follow-up appointments if required. Participants will also be asked about any side effects they experience and their satisfaction with their treatment.
Sarah Cockayne added: "The information we get from this study should help us to treat future patients with verrucas more effectively."
People interested in taking part should ring Podiatry School University of Huddersfield - Ms Caroline McIntosh, Podiatrist and Senior Lecturer: 01484 473224; Podiatry School University of Northampton - Jayne Robinson (clinic co-ordinator): 01604 627303 or Podiatry School Leaf Hospital Eastbourne - Dr Farina Hashmi: 01323 645 555.
Volunteers will be assessed in order to see if they are eligible for the study. The treatment provided will be free of charge.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- This project is funded by the NHS R&D Programme Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme (Project No. 05/513/02), and the results will be used to inform clinical practice within the NHS. The study has been reviewed and approved by Trent Multi Research Ethics Committee. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Health.
- The Department of Health Sciences at the University of York is a large multi-disciplinary department, offering a broad range of taught and research programmes in the health care field, including nursing. It aims to develop the role of scientific evidence in health and health care through high quality research, teaching and other forms of dissemination.