Even if you get warts regularly, you might not know exactly what a wart is. A wart is the result of an infection from a form of HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which is common. When the virus gets into the outer layer of the skin, usually through a scratch, it causes rapid growth. This is a wart.
While generally harmless, most people are interested in wart removal. There are home treatments, but you should never try to remove warts on your own if you are diabetic or have a weakened immune system. Some removal methods contain a type of acid or require scrubbing that could be bad for your condition.
Home Wart Removal
If you’re interested in wart removal, here are a couple of popular “over-the-counter” remedies.
- Salicylic Acid-This is found in many forms. There are tubes for gels or ointments and pads that can be adhered to the affected area. This dissolves the skin cells for easy wart removal. You want to soak your skin so it’s soft and ready to absorb the medication. Then after treatment, you scrub with a pumice stone. This process takes a couple of weeks of daily treatment.
- Liquid Butane-This is referred to as a “freezing spray”. You spray it directly on the wart to freeze the tissue, making it easier to slough off.
The drawback to this method is that often, you can’t freeze the wart deep enough to remove the entire thing and can be painful, especially if you spray for too long.
How Does It Work?
The acid and the butane both basically make the skin pliable enough to remove. There are some who recommend using duct tape or another measure to make sure these liquids adhere for best results. Making sure the area is treated often and for several weeks is critical to wart removal.
Professional Results
If you’re thinking of seeing a professional for wart removal, stop by Family Diagnostic Clinic. Our experts specialize in the care of wart removal and can help lead the way to healthier skin. Call us at 281-351-6800 to set up an appointment. Let us be your partner in good health.