This is one of the easiest ways to remove viral warts. Almost every patient with this problem starts with medication, as a wide range of medicines are now available to treat warts. If the warts are small (2 – 3 mm) and there are several of them, this treatment can be effective without the need for a doctor’s consultation or treatment. However, if the warts are rapidly growing, painful and proliferating, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
The doctor will assess the situation and prescribe the most appropriate treatment method or the most appropriate medicine. Therapeutic ointment or other medications to treat warts are usually prescribed for children who are afraid of the pain of cold nitrogen or laser treatments.
Treatment of warts with salicylic acid
Over-the-counter medicines based on salicylic acid are the most commonly used treatment for warts. Salicylic acid is slowly but painlessly absorbed into the skin, so that the skin cells containing the viral warts begin to peel off. It is a very effective treatment for warts but is not suitable for warts on the face, neck and genitals. Even if another treatment is prescribed (e.g. nitrogen freezing), salicylic acid can be used at home before the next wart removal procedure to achieve even greater effectiveness.
It is best to soften the wart before removing it with salicylic acid. This can be done by soaking it in warm water or by softening it with a file. The file should be brand new or disinfected. A salicylic solution should then be applied to the wart and covered with a patch or adhesive tape. This procedure should be repeated every evening or as indicated in the instructions for use of the preparation used.
This wart treatment is simple and effective and it is likely that mild discomfort, burning, redness and scaling will be experienced during treatment. This means that the wart is disappearing.
During the treatment and healing period, it is not advisable to play sports, go to swimming pools or saunas.
Other treatments, prevention
Treatment with trichloroacetic acid, urea and other special medications may also be used.
It is worth noting that after the removal of the wart, there is still a chance of infection, as it is a viral disease. There is currently no method or medicine that can remove the virus itself, so the doctor cannot guarantee a complete recovery. Thus, the removal of warts, like the removal of papillomas, does not prevent their recurrence.
Prevention is also extremely important in the treatment of warts: strengthening the immune system, treating other skin diseases, and complying with hygiene standards in swimming pools and saunas.
