Self- treatment is an option for many patients with common warts and plantar warts. Warts are classified as noncancerous viral infections of the epidermis and mucous membranes that are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). At any given time, warts affect 7 to 10% of the population. Warts are usually found on the hands, but can appear on any skin surface and occur most commonly in children between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. We will discuss some facts about warts, over the counter treatment options and ways to prevent spreading.
Some facts and advice about warts:
- Warts typically grow on fingers, around the nails, and on the backs of hands
- Warts are rough, irregularly shaped and domed in appearance
- Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet and are flat or grow inward
- Warts are contagious and can be spread through direct contact or via indirect contact with contaminated surfaces so use a separate towel to dry the area with the wart
- Patients should wash their hands before and after having direct contact with the wart so it does not spread to other areas of the body or other people
- Cover plantar warts on the bottom of the feet when walking barefoot
Treatment options
1. Salicylic Acid
Products that can be used for self-treatment of common or plantar warts include plaster/pad vehicles and gels or liquids that contain salicylic acid 12% to 40%.
The pads or discs contain the highest amount of salicylic acid 40%. Some examples include, Compound W Wart Remover Pads, Curad Wart Remover, Dr Scholl’s Discs and strips, and Duofilm patch for kids.
The liquid and gel wart removers contain a lesser strength of salicylic acid 17%. Some examples include, Compound W Remover Gel and Remover liquid, Duofilm liquid, Dr Scholl’s Liquid Wart Remover
2. Cryotherapy
Other products contain a combination of dimethyl ether and propane to “freeze” the wart off (cryotherapy). It is important to adhere to the directions provided with these products. Improper use can cause damage to surrounding skin unaffected by warts. Warts typically fall off 10 days after the application of the freezing agent. A maximum of 3 treatments can be used for stubborn warts. Cryotherapy can cause pain for a short time after the application. This kind of therapy should not be use in children younger than 4 years old, or patients with diabetes or poor circulation. Some examples of cryotherapy products include, Compound W Freeze Off Wart Removal System, Dr Scholl’s Freeze Away Wart Remover, and Wartner Wart Removal System
Conclusion: When not to treat a wart and seek medical attention:
- You should see a dermatologist if you have warts that occur extensively on one area of the body, painful plantar warts, and warts located on the face, fingernails, toenails, or genitalia
- Plantar warts that are painful
- Stop treatment if skin becomes inflamed or infected
- If a wart remains after 12 weeks of treatment
Some facts and advice about warts:
- Warts typically grow on fingers, around the nails, and on the backs of hands
- Warts are rough, irregularly shaped and domed in appearance
- Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet and are flat or grow inward
- Warts are contagious and can be spread through direct contact or via indirect contact with contaminated surfaces so use a separate towel to dry the area with the wart
- Patients should wash their hands before and after having direct contact with the wart so it does not spread to other areas of the body or other people
- Cover plantar warts on the bottom of the feet when walking barefoot
Treatment options
1. Salicylic Acid
Products that can be used for self-treatment of common or plantar warts include plaster/pad vehicles and gels or liquids that contain salicylic acid 12% to 40%.
The pads or discs contain the highest amount of salicylic acid 40%. Some examples include, Compound W Wart Remover Pads, Curad Wart Remover, Dr Scholl’s Discs and strips, and Duofilm patch for kids.
The liquid and gel wart removers contain a lesser strength of salicylic acid 17%. Some examples include, Compound W Remover Gel and Remover liquid, Duofilm liquid, Dr Scholl’s Liquid Wart Remover
2. Cryotherapy
Other products contain a combination of dimethyl ether and propane to “freeze” the wart off (cryotherapy). It is important to adhere to the directions provided with these products. Improper use can cause damage to surrounding skin unaffected by warts. Warts typically fall off 10 days after the application of the freezing agent. A maximum of 3 treatments can be used for stubborn warts. Cryotherapy can cause pain for a short time after the application. This kind of therapy should not be use in children younger than 4 years old, or patients with diabetes or poor circulation. Some examples of cryotherapy products include, Compound W Freeze Off Wart Removal System, Dr Scholl’s Freeze Away Wart Remover, and Wartner Wart Removal System
Conclusion: When not to treat a wart and seek medical attention:
- You should see a dermatologist if you have warts that occur extensively on one area of the body, painful plantar warts, and warts located on the face, fingernails, toenails, or genitalia
- Plantar warts that are painful
- Stop treatment if skin becomes inflamed or infected
- If a wart remains after 12 weeks of treatment