If you have a wart and want to know how to get rid of it, what are your options? Can you do it yourself, or do you need to seek medical attention? Is wart removal permanent, or will it come back? First of all, what is a wart and how did you get it in the first place?
A wart is a small growth, rough in texture, and usually on the hands or feet, but can grow elsewhere on the body. It is similar to a blister, but a wart is solid and shaped somewhat like a cauliflower. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus 2 and 7, which are viruses that create infections in the layered cell structure of the skin or mucous membranes. The virus enters the body through open wounds of the skin, and they are contagious via direct contact. Although they can last for years, they usually disappear after a few months. In some instances they can also reappear.
There are many methods of removing warts, such as topical treatments containing salicylic acid, laser treatment, an injection of Candida, mumps, or Trichophyton antigens at the site of the wart, which stimulates the body's immune system, and even a method known as duct tape occlusion therapy. However, one method seems to be more common, and most preferred, than the others: Cryotherapy, which is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue.
Wart freezing is generally done with Freon refrigerants, or liquid nitrogen, being applied from an aerosol spray can with a sponge tip. The extreme cold from this application deadens the small blood vessels that the wart feeds on and creates a blister under and around the wart, and between the wart and outer layer of skin. During this period, be careful not to damage or bust the blistered skin. This could invite more infections in through the wound and prolong the wart removal process.
For warts on the fingers, three to four treatments would be required to effectively kill the wart. Warts on the thicker skin of the feet could require a dozen or so treatments. Once the wart is dead, the wart and the dead skin surrounding it should fall off by itself.
Over-the-counter products can be bought for home use. Well known brands would include Compound W Freeze Off and Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away. These products are relatively inexpensive and pretty effective. Be sure to read and follow all directions on the container.
For more information please read this article on How to Get Rid of Warts and Wart Freezing.
Post a Comment