X marks the Warts

Now, here is a sight many shy away from talking about. Yep – Warts, you’ve guessed it that raised round bump(s) on your skin, with a discolouration around it. Oh, and less I forget its often speckled with a small black dot and can appear in a group or alone. If found on the foot it’s called a Verrucca.

I know the description above may seem gory, but it really isn’t a condition you are unable to self-manage. Majority of Warts are painless and can usually be easily self-treated unless you have contraindications which require you to be treated by your doctor (i.e. diabetes). It is also very common in Children and young adults.

What causes it?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). You may have heard of this virus before, usually as a sexually transmitted infection. Well, this is not the same type, the virus has more than 150 types, but only a few cause warts on your hands.

Its important to note that not everyone who comes in contact with HPV develops warts, this is because are immune responses are different.

Can it be transmitted?

Unfortunately, this is true Warts are transmissible and usually via skin-to-skin contact. The chance of infection is increased in those with breaks in the skin (i.e injured skin, scrapes). Due to their 2-6 months incubation period it may take a while to appear.

How do I get rid of it without seeing a doctor (non-prescription)?

Now, providing you are not a contraindicated patient (read the product information leaflet) and the treatment is suitable for your child you should be able to manage this using home treatments. There are many products on the market, don’t worry we are going to simplify them. Despite the plethora of products, they treatment approach is either chemical or physical process to remove the wart.

Chemical approaches often use chemicals like salicylic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid. These chemicals typically exfoliate the affected area and are thought to stimulate local immunity.

Physical approaches are based on cryotherapy usually liquid nitrogen which aims freeze the wart until it is resolved.

When should I see a doctor?

• If your change color or cause pain
• If your Warts are spreading
• If your warts do not respond to treatment or keep reoccurring
• If your Warts are becoming bothersome and affecting your daily activity
• If you have a weakened immune system
• If you are unsure if it is common warts or a different condition.