Warts—those small, rough growths on the skin—might not be dangerous, but they can be annoying, uncomfortable, and even embarrassing. Warts are more frequent than most people believe and are caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although they can develop anywhere on the body, the hands, feet, face, and genitalia are where they are most frequently encountered. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to remove them, and even better, to prevent their return. In this post, we’ll explore easy, lasting solutions for wart removal that you can trust. Blogs
What Causes Warts?
Warts are the result of an HPV infection that enters your skin through small cuts or abrasions. Once the virus is inside, it causes rapid growth of skin cells, leading to a wart. While anyone can get a wart, they’re especially common in children, teens, and people with weakened immune systems.
There are several types of warts, including:
- Typical warts: Typically found on the hands or fingers.
- Plantar warts: These are located on the soles of the feet and can be painful.
- Flat warts: These are smaller and smoother and are typically found on the face or legs
- Filiform warts: Long, narrow growths surrounding the lips, eyes, or nose are called filiform warts.
- Genital warts: Sexual contact can spread genital warts, which need medical care.
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At-Home Wart Removal Methods
For many people, over-the-counter treatments are the first choice—and often effective. Some of the more well-liked choices are as follows:
1. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid comes in pads, gels, and solutions. It works by gradually peeling away the wart. To improve effectiveness, soak the wart in warm water beforehand and gently file away the top layer with a pumice stone or emery board. Daily use for several weeks is usually required.
2. Cryotherapy (Freezing Kits)
While doctors use liquid nitrogen for freezing, at-home kits use a less potent freezing agent. These kits are easy to use and often work within a few applications. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging surrounding skin.
3. Duct Tape Method
It might sound odd, but covering a wart with duct tape has shown some success. Keep the wart covered for six days, remove the tape, soak the area, and gently rub it with a pumice stone. Repeat the cycle for several weeks.
4. Natural Remedies
Some people find relief using natural ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar can work similarly to salicylic acid, but it can irritate the skin
- The antiviral and antibacterial qualities of tea tree oil are well known.
- Extract from garlic may aid in the destruction of the wart-causing virus.
Note: Natural remedies vary in effectiveness and may cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Medical Wart Removal Options
If home treatments don’t work, or if the wart is painful, spreading, or located in sensitive areas (like the face or genitals), it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. Professional treatments include:
1. Cryotherapy
A dermatologist can apply liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, causing it to blister and fall off. This method is quick and typically effective in just a few sessions.
2. Electrosurgery and Curettage
This involves burning the wart with an electric current (electrosurgery) and scraping it off with a surgical tool (curettage). It’s commonly used for stubborn or large warts.
3. Laser Treatment
For deep or resistant warts, laser therapy can be used to destroy blood vessels feeding the wart, causing it to die and fall off.
4. Prescription Treatments
Topical medications like imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, or retinoids can help stimulate your immune system or stop wart cells from growing.
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Preventing Warts from Coming Back
Even after successful treatment, warts can return. Here are some tips for reducing the chance of recurrence:
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- Avoid going barefoot near public pools or showers.
- Don’t share towels, razors, or socks.
- Cover cuts and scrapes promptly.
- Boost your immunity with a healthy diet, enough sleep, and regular exercise.
If you have a habit of biting your nails or picking at your skin, try to break it. These behaviors may cause minor cuts to open, which facilitates HPV entry.
Conclusion
Warts might be persistent, but they’re not invincible. With the right approach—whether home remedy or professional treatment—you can get rid of them safely and for good. The key is patience, consistency, and knowing when to seek medical help. If one method doesn’t work, don’t lose hope; another one might be just what your skin needs. Visit Northwest Clinic
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. How much is wart removal in UAE?
A. Wart removal in the UAE typically costs between AED 300 to AED 1,000 per session. Prices vary based on the clinic, method used, and number of warts treated.
Q. How much will it cost to remove warts?
A. The cost to remove warts ranges from AED 150 to AED 1,000 depending on location, size, and treatment type like cryotherapy, laser, or excision.
Q. How much does it cost to cut off a wart?
A. Surgical removal of a wart can cost AED 500 to AED 1,500. It’s usually done under local anesthesia and may require follow-up care.
Q. Can warts be removed permanently?
A. Yes, warts can be removed permanently with proper treatment. However, in some cases, they may return, especially if caused by the HPV virus and not fully treated.
Q. How to 100% get rid of warts?
A. The most effective methods include laser therapy, cryotherapy, or topical treatments prescribed by a dermatologist. Complete removal also depends on immune response and follow-up care.
Q. Is it OK to leave warts untreated?
A. Leaving warts untreated is usually safe but not recommended. They can spread, become painful, or increase in size. It’s best to consult a dermatologist for safe removal.