COMMON WARTS

Warts are caused by infection with Human papilloma virus (HPV). There
are many types of HPV which cause different types of warts. They are
found at any age but are most common in teenagers. They can spread by
contact or auto-inoculation. The infected person’s immune system clears
the warts within 2 years in 2/3 of cases so treatment is often
unnecessary. Treatment results vary greatly. In some people there is
instant success, in others it may take many months or have no success at
all. In immunodeficiency warts may spread quickly and fulminantly and
become extremely difficult to treat.
Management of common warts
- Keratolytic therapy with salicylic acid 25% ointment twice daily followed by cutting
or scraping the warts with a pumice stone, callus file or a knife twice a week.
Preparations of salicylic acid 5-20% and lactic acid 5-20% in collodion are easier to
use. This treatment may need to be repeated for months.
- Light electrodissecation and curettage.
- Freeze with liquid nitrogen when available.