Warts are skin growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are usually benign. While most warts do not pose a serious health risk, they can be uncomfortable, painful, and even disfiguring.
1. Topical treatmentsTopical treatments are one of the most common ways to remove warts. These medications work directly on the surface of the wart to destroy the virus and promote the shedding of the wart. Common topical medications include treatments containing salicylic acid, topical prescription medications, and other home treatments.
Salicylic acid is one of the most common treatments for warts. It softens and dissolves the outer layer of the wart, helping it to fall off. Salicylic acid preparations can be purchased at pharmacies and are usually available in the form of liquids, adhesive patches, ointments, etc. This treatment is suitable for most types of warts, especially common warts on the hands and feet.
Directions:
Clean the area of the wart, then apply salicylic acid preparation directly to the wart.
Cover the wart with tape to promote drug absorption.
Clean and reapply salicylic acid daily. It usually takes a few weeks to see significant results.
In addition to salicylic acid, there are other topical treatments, such as:
Fluclothiol ointment (5-FU): A topical antiviral medication that can help eliminate warts.
Freezing spray: Sprays containing nitrogen, for example, can destroy the cell structure of warts by freezing them.
These medications usually require a doctor's prescription and should be used with caution, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Cryotherapy, also called liquid nitrogen treatment, is the removal of warts by freezing the wart tissue at extremely low temperatures (usually -196°C). This method is a common treatment performed by doctors in professional medical settings.
Liquid nitrogen treatment works by freezing the wart, rupturing its cells and causing the wart to fall off. The freezing process also stimulates the body's immune system to help it fight the wart virus. This treatment is suitable for all types of warts, including common warts, flat warts, and genital warts.
Liquid nitrogen treatment is usually a quick procedure where the doctor applies liquid nitrogen directly to the surface of the wart using a sprayer or frozen cotton swab. After treatment, the wart will turn white and quickly form a scab that will eventually fall off. Multiple treatments are usually required, especially for stubborn warts.
Cryotherapy may be painful or uncomfortable.
Blisters, itching, or mild pain may occur in the treated area.
In some cases, cryotherapy may not completely remove the wart, especially for larger or deep warts, which may require multiple treatments.
Laser treatment is a method of precisely destroying wart tissue with a laser beam. This technology is particularly effective when removing deep and stubborn warts. Laser treatment is usually performed in a doctor's office and requires anesthesia.
The laser uses a high-intensity beam of light to directly target the blood vessels of the wart, disrupting the wart's blood supply, causing the wart to shrink and eventually fall off. Laser treatment is often used to remove warts that are difficult to treat with other methods, such as larger warts or areas that cannot be reached by surgery.
The treatment process is relatively quick and usually only takes a few minutes. The doctor will anesthetically anaesthetise the area to be treated and then use a laser gun to irradiate the wart. After treatment, the wart will turn black and gradually fall off. Usually, warts disappear after one treatment, but for some types of warts, repeated treatments may be required.
Laser treatment is expensive and may be painful, especially when treating more sensitive areas.
This method is suitable for some difficult-to-treat warts and is usually not the first choice for common warts.
Surgical removal may be necessary for some very stubborn or deep warts. This method is usually used when the wart is large or cannot be removed by other non-surgical treatments.
Surgical excision involves removing the entire wart tissue, including the root of the wart, under local anesthesia. The wound needs to be sutured after surgery and may leave scars. This method is ideal for treating larger, deep-rooted warts.
Surgical excision is usually performed in a doctor's office and the entire procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour. Proper wound care is required after surgery to prevent infection and promote healing.
Surgical excision of warts requires a recovery period and may leave some scars.
This method is expensive and has certain risks, such as infection or excessive bleeding.
For some mild or localized warts, many people choose natural remedies and home treatments to remove warts. Although the scientific basis for these methods is not as strong as medical treatments, they are generally safer and have no side effects.
Garlic is believed to have antiviral and antibacterial properties and can be used to treat warts. Cut raw garlic into small pieces and apply directly to the wart. Apply with a bandage and continue the treatment for several days until the wart falls off. Allicin in garlic helps inhibit the growth of the virus.
The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar also make it a traditional wart treatment. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the wart for a few hours or overnight. Repeat this process until the wart begins to fall off.
Tea tree oil has natural antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help kill the virus on the wart. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the wart 1-2 times a day.
These natural remedies need to be used for several weeks to see results. Although most people can use these methods safely, people with sensitive skin or allergies should perform a spot test before use.
Warts are often associated with infection with the HPV virus, which is transmitted through direct contact. Therefore, it is very important to take preventive measures, especially in people with weakened immunity.
Avoiding direct contact with other people's warts, especially in public places such as swimming pools, locker rooms, etc., can reduce the risk of infection. In addition, maintaining personal hygiene habits, washing hands regularly, and avoiding sharing personal items such as towels, shoes, etc.
A healthy immune system helps to resist infection with the HPV virus. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, moderate exercise, and stress relief all play a positive role in enhancing immunity.
In the case of genital warts, using condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, but it cannot completely avoid transmission. Regular health checks and timely detection and treatment of warts can effectively reduce the spread of the virus.
There are many ways to remove warts, including topical medications, cryotherapy, laser treatment, surgery, etc. Choosing the most suitable treatment depends on the type, location and size of the warts, as well as the individual's health status. No matter which treatment method you choose, you should consult a professional doctor to ensure that the selected plan is the most suitable for you. At the same time, maintaining good living habits and hygiene habits can help reduce the occurrence and spread of warts.
