Wart Treatment (Verrucca)

What are warts?

Warts are simply areas of skin which grow faster than normal and become toughened in appearance due to the presence of the wart virus. They are most common on the hands, feet and face but they can grow almost anywhere in the body. They are infectious and some people, especially children, are more susceptible than others. A verrucca is simply a wart growing on the weight-bearing surface of the foot which grows inwards rather than outwards because it is pressed on when you walk. As warts are caused by a virus infection the body will build up resistance over a period of time and eventually the body will cause the warts to disappear. This may take months or sometimes years but is the natural way the body deals with warts. If you allow them to disappear in this way it is less likely that you will get any further ones as you will then be immune to that virus.

How can you get rid of warts?

These are two simple methods for getting rid of warts either by freezing with liquid nitrogen or using a wart paint or gel as described below. The second method takes a little time and effort but is usually effective within 2 to 12 weeks.

What you need?

1. A bottle of wart paint. 'Duofilml' or 'Diswart' are as good as any and are available without prescription from chemists.
2. A roll of surgical tape ('Micropore' or 'Blenderm' are good), either 1 cm or 5 cm wide depending on the size of wart(s) to be treated.
3. A pummice stone or emery board for use only on warts (Remember, warts are infections)
4. Patience. It takes up to 12 weeks to get rid of warts and perseverence is the key.

What to do:

Every night:

After washing the affected area:

• Apply the wart paint to the warts, getting as little as possible onto the surrounding skin
• Put a piece of tape over the wart big enough to stop the paint getting rubbed off on the bedclothes overnight

Every other night:

Before applying the paint, rub away at the white, dead warty skin with the pummice stone.

Points to remember

1. You will need to keep going until you get down just below the level of the surrounding skin to eradicate a wart completely. Stop when the base of the wart looks exactly like normal skin (ie no black dots or 'graininess). If they become sore or bleed a little just leave off the treatment and carry on the following night.
2. You do not need to take special precautions if you go swimming or walk barefoot to avoid infecting other people. The risk to other people is very little.
3. If verruccas are painful to walk on try covering them with a corn plaster - the type with a hole in the middle - to make them more comfortable until you have chance to get rid of them.