Warts, or the tiny fleshy lumps, that you can find on your body can be cured easily. Over-the-counter drugs are readily available that you can use. You can also consult a dermatologist. Sometimes, warts get cured by themselves. They disappear automatically after 12–24 months.

Given below are different ways to deal with treat different kinds of warts.

a)      Flat Warts: For these kinds of warts, it is best to visit a skin doctor as the usual methods are not very effective. Since these warts recur, an antiproliferative agent can be used prevent them from growing. One can also use retinoic acid continuously for a period of 4 to 5 weeks. Another treatment is the application of imiquimod cream thrice every week.

b)      Filiform Warts: They are usually narrow and long. Due to their sensitive location, particularly on the eyelids, the best option would be to visit the doctor. Avoid going for the over-the-counter treatment as it can lead to burns.

c)      Common Warts: You can use a salicylic acid formula to get rid of it. This ointment makes the skin soft and destroys the virus affected cells. The skin turns white in color before peeling off. If the wart does not disappear within 4–6 weeks, then visit a skin specialist. Your doctor can prescribe a higher dose of salicylic acid or go for cryotherapy treatment. In the latter case, liquid nitrogen is applied over the wart. After 10–30 seconds, the entire area freezes. As a result of the cold, the tissues get damaged and the warts get destroyed.

d)     Periungual Warts: Wart removers can be applied to cure them. Make sure that you put a bandage over the area so as to prevent the virus from spreading. Start the medication as soon as they appear, because if they spread below your finger nails they can lead to fungal infection and nail breakage.

e)      Plantar Warts: You can apply salicylic acid over the infected area. If there is no change, then better see a dermatologist and go for laser therapy. In laser therapy, a carbon-di-oxide laser converts the walls of the warts into a gaseous state and then it is removed with the help of vacuum. The disadvantage of this method is that it creates a wound over the area, which needs to be dressed daily for two weeks. The wound takes almost 12 weeks to heal completely.

Tags: , ,