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Information Sheet for Patients
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 weightbearing
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?
There are two simple methods for getting rid of warts either using using a wart
paint or gel as described below or by your doctor freezing warts with liquid
nitrogen. Both methods can be effective.
Wart paints and gels You will need
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A bottle of wart paint. 'Salactol' or 'Compound W' are as good as any and are
available without prescription from chemists.
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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.
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A pummice stone or emery board for use only on warts (Remember, warts are
infections)
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Patience. It takes up to 12 weeks to get rid of warts and perseverence is the key.
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What to do
EVERY NIGHT:
After washing the affected area:
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Apply the wart paint to the warts, getting as little as possible onto the surrounding
skin
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Put a piece of tape over the wart big enough to stop the paint getting rubbed off on
the bedclothes overnight
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EVERY OTHER NIGHT:
Before applying the paint, rub away at the white, dead warty skin with the pummice
stone.
Points to remember
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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.
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You do not need to take special precautions if you go swimming or walk barefoot
to avoid infecting other people. The risk to others is very little.
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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.
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Liquid Nitrogen (Cryotherapy) Liquid nitrogen is usually
used by doctors to cure warts. This method can cause pain, soreness and blistering
and usually cures 50% of warts after one or more treatments. Frequent applications
of liquid nitrogen produces a quicker cure rate but not a greater rate of cure.
Further Information: For the latest information on this condition and support or selfhelp Groups call the Health Information Service on 0800 665544
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