Common Warts: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Self-Care
Understanding Common Warts
Common warts are small, rough skin growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear on the hands, fingers, or around the nails, but can develop anywhere on the body. While generally harmless, they may cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns, leading many people to seek medical treatment.
Common Warts: Diagnosis and Identification
In most situations, a healthcare provider can identify a common wart based on its appearance. To confirm the diagnosis or rule out other skin conditions, one or more of the following methods may be used:
- Physical Examination: The doctor will inspect the growth carefully to assess its shape, texture, and color.
- Scraping Test: The upper layer of the wart may be gently scraped away to reveal tiny dark dots beneath the surface—these dots are clotted blood vessels, a typical sign of common warts.
- Shave Biopsy: If there’s any uncertainty about the diagnosis, a small sample of the wart may be removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This helps ensure the growth isn’t another type of skin lesion, such as a mole or skin cancer.
Common Warts: Treatment Options and Medical Procedures
Although most common warts disappear naturally over time—sometimes taking one to two years—some individuals prefer medical treatment if the warts are painful, spreading, or cosmetically concerning. Treatment aims to destroy the wart tissue, stimulate the immune system to fight the virus, or both.
It’s important to note that warts can recur even after successful treatment. Your healthcare provider will usually begin with the least painful approach, especially when treating children.
: Prescription and In-Office Treatments for Common Warts
a. Prescription-Strength Peeling Agents
Medications containing salicylic acid help dissolve wart tissue layer by layer. This treatment works best when combined with freezing (cryotherapy) or laser therapy. Regular application and patience are key to success.
b. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
This medication is applied directly to the wart and covered with a bandage for about 12 weeks. It can be particularly effective for children and individuals with multiple warts.
c. Candida Antigen Injections
A small amount of Candida antigen is injected into the wart to stimulate an immune response. The immune system then targets not only the treated wart but also others nearby. Although not FDA-approved for wart removal, this off-label use has shown promising results for resistant warts.
d. Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)
During this procedure, liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart, causing a blister to form beneath it. The wart tissue dies and eventually falls off. Multiple sessions may be needed.
Side effects: Pain, blistering, and possible scarring. Because it can be uncomfortable, cryotherapy is generally avoided in very young children.
e. Chemical Acids (e.g., Trichloroacetic Acid)
If salicylic acid or freezing doesn’t work, stronger acids may be used. After shaving the wart, the acid is applied to the area using a wooden applicator. Treatments are usually repeated weekly until the wart disappears.
Possible side effects: Burning, stinging, or changes in skin pigmentation.
f. Curettage (Wart Removal by Scraping)
Using a surgical instrument called a curet, the doctor can scrape away part of the wart. This method is often combined with another treatment to reduce recurrence.
g. Laser Therapy
When other options fail, laser treatments—such as carbon dioxide laser, pulsed-dye laser, or photodynamic therapy—may be used. The laser burns the blood vessels that feed the wart, causing it to die and fall off over time.
Note: Laser therapy can cause pain and scarring, and evidence of its long-term effectiveness is limited.
ALSO VISIT
Self-Care and Home Treatments for Common Warts
Home treatments can also be effective for many people, especially for uncomplicated warts. However, those with diabetes or a weakened immune system should consult a doctor before attempting self-treatment.
1. Salicylic Acid Products
Over-the-counter treatments containing 17% salicylic acid (such as Compound W or Dr. Scholl’s Clear Away) are available in liquid, gel, or pad forms.
How to use:
- Soak the wart in warm water for 5–10 minutes.
- Apply the salicylic acid solution as directed.
- Gently remove dead skin using a pumice stone or emery board between treatments.
If irritation occurs, stop using the product for a few days. Pregnant individuals should speak to a healthcare professional before using any acid-based treatment.
2. Home Freezing Kits
Some nonprescription freezing sprays mimic professional cryotherapy using a milder formula (e.g., Compound W Freeze Off, Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away). These may require several applications.
3. Duct Tape Method
Though research shows mixed results, some people try covering the wart with duct tape:
- Keep the wart covered for six days.
- Remove the tape, soak the area, and gently file away dead tissue.
- Leave the wart uncovered for about 12 hours, then reapply the tape.
Repeat until the wart disappears.
Preparing for Your Appointment About Wart Treatment
If you decide to see a healthcare professional, you may start with your primary care provider or be referred to a dermatologist, a specialist in skin conditions.
Tips for Preparation Before Your Wart Consultation
- Bring a list of all medications, supplements, and topical products you use, including dosages.
- Write down any questions you want to ask, such as:
- What caused my warts to appear?
- If removed, are they likely to come back?
- Which treatment do you recommend for my situation?
- What side effects might occur?
- Are there alternative treatment options?
- If these growths aren’t warts, what tests are needed?
- How can I prevent warts in the future?
Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Your Warts
To guide diagnosis and treatment, your doctor may ask:
- When did you first notice the warts?
- Have you had them before?
- Do they cause discomfort or embarrassment?
- What treatments have you already tried, and what were the results?
Request an Appointment for Common Warts: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Self-Care
If your warts are persistent, spreading, or causing pain, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist. Early diagnosis and professional care can help manage the condition effectively and prevent recurrence.