Warts are benign skin protrusions caused by infections of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are infectious and can take a variable amount of time to disappear naturally, ranging from weeks to years. Because of ineffective home treatments or due to concerns about the Mission Viejo warts spreading or being cosmetically unappealing, many people opt for medical intervention.
The objectives of medical treatment are to eliminate the wart, boost the body’s immune response to combat the virus, or both. The process of treatment can last from weeks to months, and even after medical care, warts have a tendency to reappear or multiply. For young children, doctors usually start with the least uncomfortable treatment methods.
Based on the wart’s location, your symptoms, and your preferences, your healthcare provider might recommend one of several treatment strategies. One such approach includes the use of stronger peeling agents, like prescription-level salicylic acid. This medication gradually sheds the wart’s layers. Research indicates that the efficacy of salicylic acid increases when used in conjunction with freezing.
Cryotherapy (Freezing): Conducted at a medical facility, this procedure involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart to freeze it. The freezing process causes a blister to develop under and around the wart, leading to the shedding of the dead tissue within about a week. This technique may also boost your immune system’s ability to tackle viral warts. Multiple sessions are often necessary.
Alternative Acids: If neither salicylic acid nor cryotherapy is effective, your physician might consider using trichloroacetic acid. In this technique, the doctor first removes the top layer of the wart and then applies the acid using a wooden toothpick. Weekly follow-up treatments are usually needed. Possible side effects include a burning sensation and stinging.
Minor Surgical Removal: The doctor can excise the troublesome tissue, although this approach might result in scarring in the affected area.
Laser Treatment: This method uses a pulsed-dye laser to cauterize small blood vessels, leading to the death of the infected tissue and the eventual falling off of the wart. However, the scientific support for this treatment’s effectiveness is limited, and it may result in pain and scarring.
Natural Ways to Remove Warts at Home
Vitamin C: Known for its immune-enhancing properties and crucial role in skin tissue repair and wound healing, Vitamin C has been suggested as a topical remedy for warts. To use Vitamin C topically, crush a tablet and mix it with water to form a paste. Apply this mixture to the wart and cover with a bandage, leaving it on overnight. Daily repetition is recommended.
Vitamin E: To try this approach, pierce a Vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the wart. Secure it with a bandage and let it sit overnight. Continue this regimen daily for a period of two weeks.