condition
Warts
Warts are very common, especially in children, and are not harmful. They usually resolve on their own without treatment but certain products can speed up this process.
Warts are hard, uneven skin growths that are usually skin-coloured or white. You may see black specs in the wart which are usually very small blood vessels. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) and may develop weeks or months after coming into contact with the virus. Cuts or broken skin makes it easier for the virus to get in, and a lowered immune system puts you at higher risk. Children do not have a fully developed immune system which is why it is common in this age group.
The majority of warts will heal on their own within a few months, but may take up to 18 months. If you want to speed up this process we recommend two options; salicylic acid-containing products that can be purchased from your local pharmacy, or getting the wart frozen off (cryotherapy).
Doctor’s advice
What can you find here?
Is it contagious?
The condition is contagious. It can be passed on by skin-to-skin on the affected area or indirectly by surfaces that have come into contact with the virus. Avoid sharing towels, razors or clothing if you have a wart and wear a water-proof plaster over the area when you go swimming. You can spread the virus to other parts of the body so avoid touching an existing wart, avoid cutting it shaving and wash your hands thoroughly if you do touch the area.
Wet, warm areas such as gym changing rooms and swimming pools are a breeding ground for warts and verrucae, which are warts on your feet. Make you protect yourself with sandals or flip flops in public showers or pools.
Caidr pharmacists' top tips
Salicylic acid treatments come in many different forms such as in a gel, cream or even in a plaster and usually take around three months of use to be effective.
There are many products containing salicylic acid such as Bazuka gel, or others that may be paints or medicated plasters. These products do work very well, however for gels and creams, the typical expected treatment can take between one and three months to get rid of the wart, and allow healthy skin to regrow and heal.
Salicylic products should ideally be used every night. Care must be taken to apply just on the wart, to avoid damaging healthy skin around the wart. You could try protecting the surrounding skin with Vaseline or other similar petroleum jellies, leaving just the wart exposed and ready for treatment. If the wart has lots of hard skin over the top of it, it's helpful to try to file this down with an emery board or pumice stone before treating, to make the acid more effective where it matters.
Cryotherapy (freezing the wart) is done at some doctor practices or can be done privately. Liquid nitrogen is sprayed onto the wart to kill the wart tissue. It's like a freeze-burn and can hurt a bit afterwards. It can take a couple of sessions of freezing for the wart to fully go, these sessions are usually done a couple of weeks apart.
For more convenience, there are other products using the freeze method now available as a home kit. A cold liquid is applied with an applicator for around 30 to 40 seconds. They aim to create an inflammatory reaction that will stimulate the body to recognise and destroy the wart virus. More stubborn warts or verrucas can be treated up to 4 times on separate occasions if necessary.
Pharmacist recommended products
Am I fit for work?
You are fit for work if you have a wart.
When should I see my doctor?
You should book a visit with your doctor if:
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You have a wart on your face or genital area
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The wart is large in size (bigger than 1cm) or you have lots of warts
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The wart is painful
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The wart has changed shape or colour
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The wart keeps recurring
The doctor will ask you about your medical history and examine the area. They may prescribe a stronger form of salicylic acid treatment or recommend cryotherapy.
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