Warts are a skin condition resulting from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The bumps that result can be found on the skin, inside the mouth, on the genitals or in the rectal area. There are more than 100 strains of human papilloma virus (HPV), with different types of HPV causing different types of outbreaks. Common versions of HPV are more likely to leave warts on the skin, while others result in genital warts. Since warts can be contagious, it is important to not pick at them.
Warts can take a variety of forms including common warts, genital warts, plantar warts (found in the plantar area of the foot), flat warts, periungal warts or filiform warts .
Medical Treatment for Warts
For many, the location and severity of the warts require medical attention. Since warts have a viral cause, they may return once you remove them. Select a doctor or specialist that does wart removal to avoid being transferred later to a specialist.
The doctor may use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart off, or they may use an electric needle to burn off the wart. Unless warts are large or uncomfortable, surgery or laser surgery will probably not be recommended to get rid of the warts.
Other medical treatments may include the use of imiquimod, known as the brand name Aldara®; which is an immune-stimulator which was designed for use on genital warts but has also been successful in the treatment of common warts. Injections of bleomycin, a cancer therapy antibiotic may also be used, as well as injections of Candida or yeast .
Home Remedies for Warts
If you are seeking a more natural treatment for warts, there are a wide variety of home remedies for warts including over the counter acids and freezing kits.
The most popular home cures for warts include:
-Vitamin A oil applied directly to the wart (be certain to apply it to the skin, oral intake of vitamin A can be toxic in excessive amounts).
-Taping the wart, with duct tape, bandages or medical tape can be effective but needs to be left in place nearly constantly for several days to get rid of the wart. This may take as long as three weeks.
-Banana peel applied pulp side down on the wart, and left on for several days is a popular home cure for warts. This is often combined with the taping process. (Take off when bathing)
-Soak the wart in warm water for 20 minutes and then dry and apply apple cider vinegar to the wart for an additional 10 minutes.
-Tape a cotton ball soaked with aloe vera gel on the wart, add more aloe vera gel daily and change the cotton ball daily.
Prevent warts when possible, keep feet covered in public showers and swimming areas, don’t pick at warts and keep your feet dry by changing socks if they become moist.
