Wart
For the Nintendo character, see Wart (Nintendo).A
wart is generally a small, rough,
cauliflower-like growth, typically on hands and feet. Warts are common, and are caused by a
viral infection, specifically by the
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Some scientists believe they are also caused by stress. They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can recur. A few Papilloma viruses are known to cause
cancer. Certain types of warts, depending on location and cause, can be contagious from region to region, but are not transferable between species.
Prescription
Treatments that may be prescribed by a medical professional include:
*
Imiquimod, a topical cream that helps the body's immune system fight the wart virus by encouraging
interferon production
*
Candida injections at the site of the wart, which also stimulate the body's immune system [
1]
*
Cryosurgery, which involves freezing the wart, after which the wart and surrounding dead skin falls off by itself.
*Cryosurgery followed by surgically removing the infected spot.
*Treatment with
chemical compounds, containing
salicylic acid, blistering agents, immune system modifiers, or
Formaldehyde*
Laser treatment
*Tagament (a prescription ulcer medication), while its success is believed to be entirely due to a placebo effect, is prescribed by many doctors when other treatments fail
None of these treatments are very effective on single uses; the wart often returns after the skin has healed from the treatment, but repeated treatment should get rid of the wart permanently. As they disappear after a few months and maximally a few years, treatment is necessary only if the lesions are painful or are a cosmetic problem.
Over-the-counter
There are also several
over-the-counter options. The most common ones involve salicylic acid. These products are readily available at most
drugstores and
supermarkets. There are typically two types of products: adhesive pads treated with
salicylic acid, or a bottle of concentrated salicylic acid. Removing a wart with this method requires a strict regimen of cleaning the area, applying the salicylic acid, and removing the dead skin with a
pumice stone or
emery board. It may take up to 12 weeks to remove a stubborn wart.
Another over-the-counter product that can aid in wart removal is
silver nitrate in the form of a Caustic Pencil, which is also available at drug stores. This method generally takes three to six daily treatments to be effective. The instructions must be followed to minimize staining of skin and clothing.
Over-the-counter cryosurgery kits are also available, however often costing 3 times as much as previously named products.
Like prescription treatments, over-the-counter treatments usually require multiple applications, and are only necessary if the warts are problematic. Additionally, these treatments are capable of destroying healthy skin as well as warts, so caution must be exercised by those attempting them without medical supervision.
Household remedies
Duct tape occlusion therapy involves placing a piece of
duct tape (or medical tape) over the affected area for a week at a time. The procedure is otherwise identical to that of using salicylic acid adhesive pads. A study
[Focht DR III, et al. The Efficacy of Duct Tape vs. Cryotherapy in the Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris (the Common Wart). Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Vol. 156 No. 10, October 2002.] found that the duct tape method was 85% effective, compared to a 60% success rate in the study's cryotherapy group.
Other household remedies include the application of common household things, such as banana skin, vinegar, hot water and washing liquid, aerosol sprays,
tea tree oil, or unskinned potatoes, to the affected area.
Milkweed or
dandelion sap is also used. Accounts vary in regards to how long they must be applied in each session and how long they take to work.
Without controlled studies for most household remedies, it is difficult to know whether the warts disappear because the remedies work, or if they disappear due to the individual's own immune system response to the virus (possibly augmented by a
placebo effect). The success of
hypnosis in curing warts [
2] at least suggests that the condition may be cured by belief in a remedy, the placebo effect or other psychological means.
Some household remedies are potentially dangerous. These include attempts to cut or burn away the warts. Incense is sometimes used in Asian countries to burn warts. These methods are very
painful, and can lead to
infection and/or permanent
scarring.
*
Genital wart*
Plantar wart*
Molluscum contagiosum*
"Warts," The Merck Manual*
"Duct Tape More Effective than Cryotherapy,"*
Duct Tape Occlusion Therapy*
Warts and Mole Remedies
