What Are Warts And How To Treat Them

Warts are rough, protruding growths that appear on the skin as a result of a viral infection. The infection is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The infection is contagious and can be spread through physical contact or indirectly through contaminated material.

In more than half of these cases the warts clear up and do not require any treatment. However when the warts have become painful or uncomfortable, some action needs to be taken. In some extreme cases, there can be indications of potentially developing cancers.  When this happens, it is recommended to look at ways of wart removal.

        i.            Over-the-Counter Topical Medication

The most common medication used is salicylic acid, bought in the form of medicated adhesive pads or as a solution. It is recommended that the patient scrub the affected area with an emery board to remove as much dead skin as possible.  He/she should then apply petroleum jelly to the area around the wart to reduce irritation to the surrounding normal skin before applying the medication directly onto the infected area. Despite its solid track record, it is not advised for facial use. The skin is more sensitive here and can be easily damaged during wart removal. There are also cold sprays, readily available in most pharmacies, which an infected person can try. This mode of treatment should be the first option as it has the highest success rate and is easily affordable.

      ii.            Cryotherapy

This wart removal option, involves use of liquid nitrogen to freeze off the warts. Following treatment, a blister then a scab will occur. This will eventually dry up within ten days. A single treatment is all that is required for small infections, but large warts may need several appointments.

When done by a competent doctor, there is no irritation. This makes it popular for warts that occur on the face. Children are not given this treatment because they are likely to fidget as the liquid nitrogen is sprayed directly onto the warts, and can find it difficult to cope with the resulting pain.

    iii.            Injections

There are several types of injections your doctor can apply including: candida (yeast), immune-stimulators that are often used for genital warts and bleomycin which is an antibiotic used in cancer treatment. 

    iv.            Surgery

The patient is anesthetized so as to numb the area to be operated on. The warts are scrapped off with a surgical tool called the curette. This wart removal treatment is likely to result in scarring. Another surgical option is cautery where the infected tissue is burned using an electric current. This method of dealing with warts is the most expensive and should be carefully considered as it carries all the inherent risks associated with surgery.

      v.            Laser Treatment

This is done in one of two methods. The first option is a pulse dye laser that absorbs blood cells in the infected area. The second wart removal option is a carbon dioxide laser that vaporizes water molecules and destroys the infected tissue. Both options are painful and may require anesthetic.