Wart Removal Techniques

Warts should not be left untreated because there is a possibility that they will develop into something more serious, especially when the immune system is weak.  There are several different methods of treatment for wart infection. A physician will help you choose the best method of treatment according to the type of wart infection you have.

• Debridement is a procedure used to remove dead tissue.  This is used in removing plantar warts, and is performed using a scalpel to remove clusters of warts, with the aid of anaesthesia.  This kind of treatment will cause scarring and pain for a few days. The patient will be provided with prescription for pain, and topical medication for the treated area. A patient will may need to take several days off work after this procedure in order to allow proper healing.

• Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the lesions before removal.  In this type of treatment, liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the warts to freeze and kill them. This method can be very painful, and will also leave very minimal scarring.  For stubborn warts, this treatment does not guarantee absolute elimination; the patient may have to take several treatments in order to successfully eliminate warts.

• Electrocautery is a type of procedure that uses an electric needle to burn the warts.  The tissue surrounding the wart is killed and can eventually be peeled off.  This method is quite painful and leaves a bit of scarring that will heal in 1-3 weeks.

• Immunotherapy is a wart removal technique that stimulates the immune system in order to fight off the wart-causing bacteria.   Candida antigen is directly injected into the wart to induce the body to fight off the bacteria.

• Laser treatment is an efficient method in removing warts.  Although quite expensive, this treatment has a high accuracy rate at an estimated 95%.  This method uses pulse dye laser that works by penetrating deeply into the warts and killing the bacteria.  This procedure is practically pain free, and leaves very minimal to no scarring.

• Warts can also be treated at home, without the need to see a doctor.  There are non-prescription drugs that come in gel, ointment, liquid, and plaster forms.  These over-the-counter medications are equally effective, safe, and does not cause scarring and pain.  You can directly apply these topical ointments to the affected area.  Usually containing salicylic acid, they work by dissolving the protein and the dead skin cell of a lesion.

In severe cases of wart infection, it is important to consult a doctor and discuss proper treatment procedures for successful treatment of the infection.