Want to get rid of those stubborn warts on your finger? It's quick, easy and over the counter!
Your science teacher's definition: The most common wart is called Verruca Vulgaris, which has been described as "a raised wart with roughened surface, most common on hands, but can grow anywhere on the body." Warts are caused by the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).
Try this first!
Products containing salicylic acid and silver nitrate have been effective in removing some warts. These are available at your local supermarket or pharmacy/drug store. "Dr Scholl's Freeze Away Common and Plantar Wart Remover" and "Compound W Freeze Off" are commonly used to freeze away your common wart. Both products are between $10 - $20, with the generic equivalents at cheaper price points.
Basic Instructions (for pressurized can applicators):
1) Clean the area with the wart with a mild soap and wash clean.
2) Prepare the pressurized can and applicator
3) Apply the freezing compound to the wart (be sure to cover the entire wart, but avoid contact with non-affected areas)
4) Discard the applicator tip (avoid contact with the tip, as it can infect another area)
5) Wait 24 hours after treatment and wash the area with soap and water
Disclaimer: Be sure not to use these products around the eyes, lips, nose, genital, or anal areas.
or use the Home Remedy (unproven by medical science, but mama says it works): put duct tape on the wart and change the duct tape until the wart falls off. Isn’t duct tape good for everything?
If all else fails:
Not to worry! There's stronger stuff! Liquid Nitrogen is commonly used to treat those more stubborn warts. Your doctor may even have some available in the office. Since warts are fed by your blood vessels (that's why they throb sometimes), they need to be frozen at very low temperatures at the localized site. These blood vessels are damaged/killed by the cold temperatures produced by the liquid nitrogen. Just ask your doctor to freeze it off!
After your treatment:
Unless you want some gross, virus filled fluid running all over your skin, RESIST THE URGE TO POP THE BLISTER! Tissue under the blister can be re-infected and your wart can grow back. Put a Band-Aid over it.
Viral Warts is the most commonly seen condition on CONSULT Dermatology. Wart freezing is simple, quick, and able to be handled by either the patient or primary care physician. Let's freeze those warts off!
Thomas Manetti, MPH | CONSULT Project Manager
SynerMed – Innovating Healthcare
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