Warts

What are they?
Warts are caused by a virus which results in small irregular lumps, usually on the hands and soles. Warts on the soles are commonly called verrucas. Sometimes other areas such as the face and genitals areas can be affected. They may be painful.

Are they catching?
Yes, but the wart virus is very common and most people get exposed to it at some point in their lives. However, children are more likely to develop warts as their immune systems are not fully developed. Similarly, people who have an impaired immune system, for example due to some illnesses or taking immunosuppressive drugs are more likely to develop warts.

Will they go away?
In 9 out of 10 people warts disappear on their own within a year. However, in 1 out of 10 people they are present for longer than this. Some unlucky people can have them for a long time.

Is there any treatment?
If warts do not disappear on their own, or if they are painful then it can be worth treating them.

Wart paint
Your Pharmacist can sell you a paint or gel designed for warts. This is suitable for warts on the hands and feet. It should be applied every night and the dead skin should be pared down once a week with a pumice stone, file or emery board. Removing the dead skin is easier to do in the bath when the skin is soft and allows the wart paint to get at the active wart underneath.

Cryotherapy
Your Doctor may freeze the warts with liquid nitrogen. This is a little uncomfortable as it is very cold but each treatment only lasts for a few seconds. Four to six treatment sessions are often required.

Your treated area may be sore for a few days and can rarely blister. If you have dark skin cryotherapy may affect the pigment in your skin.

Whilst receiving cryotherapy treatment you should also continue to use wart paint as the two treatments work best together. However, you may wish not to apply it for a few days following cryotherapy if your skin is sore.

Retin A Cream
This is sometimes used on facial warts in preference to cryotherapy. It is particularly useful in children or flat facial warts. This is a prescription cream only.