Warts: How to Get Rid of Them Effectively

Warts are benign skin growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They primarily affect children and young adults.

Types of Warts

• Common warts: rough surfaces, often on the hands
• Plantar warts: on the soles of the feet, sometimes painful when walking
• Flat warts: small, smooth, often multiple on the face
• Filiform warts: thin projections, common around the eyes and neck

Treatment Options

1. Watchful waiting: 65% of warts spontaneously disappear within 2 years
2. Salicylic acid: keratolytic for daily topical application
3. Cryotherapy: liquid nitrogen applied by the dermatologist
4. CO2 laser: for resistant warts
5. Topical immunotherapy: imiquimod to stimulate the local immune response

Prevention

• Avoid walking barefoot in swimming pools and changing rooms
• Do not touch or scratch warts (risk of spreading)
• Maintain good foot hygiene