How to Prevent Warts from Spreading?

… Continued …

1. HPV that causes warts may stay in pumice stones /nail files that you use to help reduce the size of warts. So keep tools separate and don’t put them on areas of your wart-unaffected skin!
2. Keep your hands clean and dry, because warts love in moist environment – as noted before!
3. Avoid using shoes, towels, razors, or socks with others!
4. If you have any symptoms of genital warts, avoid intercourse with others to prevent the infection from spreading. If you don’t have, practice a safe intercourse!

Many patients look for the treatment to clear their skin of lesions, though there is significant number of warts that spontaneously resolve in several months or over 2 years.

Some self-care treatments without visiting a dermatologist /doctor are available to help ease the symptoms, except for genital warts. One of common choices is with the use of salicylic acid (available without prescription).

Salicylic acid for warts can be liquid or in plasters. Some over-the-counters for warts usually contain about 17% of salicylic acid. Us over-the-counter according to the package directions! For best result, first soak the affected skin in warm water or apply the medicine after a shower!

After several days, the rough skin usually will peel off. And since there is a risk for the medicine to affect healthy skin around the wart, again follow the instructions properly and be careful not to overdo it!

More intensive treatments may be required if the problem gets worse and becomes painful! These may include:

1. Cryotherapy (freezing – liquid nitrogen therapy). As the name suggests, the warts can be frozen with liquid nitrogen which then they are expected to slough off.
2. Other options include the use of cantharidin, laser, and minor surgery.

The large of the affected skin, location, and size can play a role in determining the best treatment to treat the problem. Consult with a dermatologist for more advice!

Additionally, the use of duct tape occlusive therapy may work more effective than cryotherapy. It may sound queer, but sticking a strip of duct tape (especially regular gray duct tape) on the offending wart may help improve the problem.