Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though generally harmless, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. They often appear on hands, feet, and other body parts and are contagious. Luckily, various treatments, including medical options and home remedies, can help remove warts effectively.
Treatment options
There are various treatment options available to treat warts. These are:
Salicylic acid
Found in many wart treatments, salicylic acid works by exfoliating the skin and softening the wart tissue. It’s most effective when applied regularly over several weeks. Using it alongside a pumice stone to remove dead skin increases its efficacy.
Bazuka Gel
Bazuka gel is a common over-the-counter treatment for warts. Soak the affected area in warm water for 2-3 minutes, dry the area and then apply a thin layer of the gel to the top of the wart. The following day, peel or pick off the white patch of dried gel and then repeat the first step.
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
This involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart to freeze it off. Over several sessions, the frozen skin cells die, and the wart falls off. It is applied using a spray gun or a cotton bud for anywhere between 5-30 seconds. It can often feel cold or uncomfortable but is a bearable treatment with minimal pain.
Laser Treatment
For stubborn or reoccurring warts, laser treatments are ideal as they destroy not only the wart tissue, but the DNA of the virus that causes the wart which instantly kills the virus and prevents it from spreading. It is a more uncomfortable option, but can be an effective option for severe cases.
Duct Tape Method
Surprisingly, applying duct tape over the wart for several days can suffocate the wart tissue, causing it to break down. It is recommended to replace the tape every few days and continue until the wart disappears. After a few days of the tape on the affected area, it recommended to gently rub the wart with a tool such as an emery board to remove any dead white skin.
Shop Wart Treatments at Be Well
Here at Be Well, we have a range of treatments available to help treat warts. Start shopping below.