Warts are common, non-cancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which makes skin cells grow rapidly, creating a raised, rough texture. While “burn off” implies literal fire, wart removal refers to methods that destroy or eliminate wart tissue. Both medical and at-home treatments are available to address these benign, yet often bothersome, skin lesions.
Professional Destructive Methods
Healthcare professionals employ several methods to destroy wart tissue, often involving precise application of energy or extreme cold. Cryotherapy is a common procedure where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart. This extreme cold destroys the cells within the wart, causing it to blister and eventually fall off. The procedure can cause temporary discomfort, and multiple sessions are often necessary.
Electrocautery involves using heat generated by an electric current to burn and destroy the wart tissue. This method is typically performed under local anesthesia to manage pain. Electrocautery can be effective for various wart types and can also help to seal blood vessels, minimizing bleeding.
Laser therapy utilizes concentrated light beams to precisely target and destroy the wart. Different types of lasers may be used, with some targeting the blood vessels that supply the wart, effectively cutting off its blood supply, while others directly vaporize the wart tissue. Laser treatment can be particularly useful for warts that are large, multiple, or resistant to other therapies. While generally effective, these professional methods may require several treatment sessions for full clearance, depending on the wart’s size and location.
At-Home Chemical Treatments
For those seeking to address warts at home, over-the-counter chemical treatments work by gradually breaking down wart tissue. Salicylic acid is a widely used and accessible option, available in various forms such as patches, gels, and liquids. This acid works by slowly dissolving the layers of skin cells that make up the wart, encouraging it to peel away over time. Consistent daily application is typically required, and it can take several weeks or even months to see full results.
When using salicylic acid, carefully follow product instructions to maximize effectiveness and prevent irritation. Apply the treatment specifically to the wart, avoiding contact with surrounding healthy skin. Some products may recommend soaking the wart in warm water and gently filing it down before application to enhance penetration.
What to Expect After Wart Removal
Following any wart removal procedure, whether professional or at-home, the treated area will undergo a healing process with common effects. It is typical to experience some soreness, redness, or mild swelling around the treated site. Cryotherapy, in particular, often leads to blistering as the frozen tissue thaws; these blisters can be clear or sometimes contain blood, and they usually resolve within a week or two.
As the area heals, a scab will form, which should be allowed to fall off naturally to avoid scarring or infection. The total healing time varies depending on the size of the wart, the treatment method used, and individual healing capabilities, but it generally ranges from a few days to several weeks. Keeping the area clean and protected can help facilitate proper healing. Even after successful removal, warts can sometimes recur because the human papillomavirus may remain in the skin.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many warts can be treated at home, certain situations warrant consulting a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. If you are unsure whether a growth is actually a wart, or if it changes in appearance, bleeds, or becomes painful, a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis. Warts that are very large, numerous, or spread rapidly may also benefit from professional evaluation and treatment.
Warts located in sensitive areas, such as the face, genitals, or around the nails, should always be evaluated by a medical professional due to the risk of scarring, infection, or misdiagnosis. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with certain medical conditions, should seek medical advice for any warts. If at-home treatments have been used consistently for several weeks without improvement, or if signs of infection develop like increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus, professional medical attention is advisable.