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Diseases » Warts » Treatments
 

Treatments for Warts

Contents
  1. Warts: Introduction
  2. Treatment list for Warts
  3. Alternative Treatments
  4. News about treatments
  5. Discussion of treatments for Warts
  6. Buy Products Related to Treatments for Warts
  7. Warts: Introduction

Treatments for Warts

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Warts includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

  • No treatment - some warts are neither harmful nor embarrassing
  • Watchful waiting - some warts disappear without treatment.
  • Chemical cautery
  • Crysurgery
  • Laser surgery
  • Electrocautery
  • Surgery
  • Over-the-counter wart treatments - although results are uncertain; your doctor usually has better options.
  • Treatment of only some warts - it is common for other warts to disppear once a few are successfully treated.

Warts: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers

Products, offers and promotion categories available for Warts:

Warts: Research Doctors & Specialists

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

Drugs and Medications used to treat Warts:

Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.

Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Warts include:

  • Tiseb
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Wart-Off Maximum Strength
  • Trans-Plantar
  • DuoPlant
  • Compound W
  • Compound W One Step Wart Remover
  • DuoFilm
  • Gordofilm
  • Occlusal-HP
  • Tinamed
  • Duoforte 27
  • Soluver
  • Soluver Plus
  • Glutaraldehyde
  • Diswart

Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Warts:

Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Warts include:

Hospital statistics for Warts:

These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Warts:

  • 0.0226% (2,878) of hospital consultant episodes were for viral warts in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 100% of hospital consultant episodes for viral warts required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 50 of hospital consultant episodes for viral warts were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 50% of hospital consultant episodes for viral warts were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 2% of hospital consultant episodes for viral warts required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • more hospital information...»

Medical news summaries about treatments for Warts:

The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Warts:

Discussion of treatments for Warts:

Warts are skin growths caused by viruses. They are sometimes painful and, if untreated, may spread. Since over-the-counter preparations rarely cure warts, see your doctor. A doctor can apply medicines, burn or freeze the wart off, or take the wart off with surgery. (Source: excerpt from Foot Care - Age Page - Health Information: NIA)

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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Warts

Treatments of Warts: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Warts.

Dry Skin (Xerosis): Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Emollients and humectants should be incorporated into the patient's daily routine; Avoid harsh antibacterial soaps, and avoid long, hot baths or showers; Apply rich creams (e.g. Keri lotionR, EucerinR) that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic immediately after bathing and twice daily
  • Hydroxyzine and even phototherapy can be helpful to these patients. Bile acid-sequestering medications can help liver patients with xerosis and pruritus
  • Topical steroid ointments are sometimes necessary to control the pruritus until the skin barrier function is restored
  • Compliance is a problem in xerosis patients who don’t want to put greasy or heavy creams on their skin
  • Systemic retinoids are sometimes used as adjuvant therapy for patients with certain genetic ichthyoses
  • For the rare patient that has an associated malignancy, the xerosis should improve once the malignancy is eradicated

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Genital Skin Lesions: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Herpes simplex virus: Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir) are best given within 24 hours of outbreak to reduce severity and duration of disease; acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and cool baths for symptomatic relief
  • Condyloma accuminata: Destruction of lesions with podophyllin, cryotherapy, cantherone, trichloroacetic acid, or laser can ablate lesions; topical immunotherapy with imiquimod or squaric acid is also successful
  • Tinea cruris: Topical (e.g., terbinafine) or oral antifungals (e.g., terbinafine, fluconazole)
  • Syphilis: Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin)
  • Molluscum contagiosum: Cryotherapy for mild disease; surgical removal for moderate disease
  • Chancroid: Antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin)
  • Low-potency topical steroids are necessary to treat psoriasis, Zoon's balanitis, and seborrheic dermatitis
  • If a red or white plaque persists despite topical therapy, biopsy the lesion to rule out carcinoma

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Skin Pigmentation (Decreased): Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Topical steroids may stimulate repigmentation of vitiligo and pityriasis alba
  • Sunscreens are crucial to protect vulnerable skin
  • Since some patients develop vitiligo in areas of trauma (i.e., Koebner effect), trauma should be avoided
  • Repigmentation may be facilitated by systemic or topical photochemotherapy with psoralens plus UVA
  • Punch minigrafting from normal donor skin areas to vitiligo areas stimulates melanocyte repopulation
  • Patients with diffuse or unresponsive vitiligo may diffusely and irreversibly depigment their skin by applying monobenzylether or hydroquinone.
  • Treatment of any associated thyroid disorder or diabetes, pernicious anemia, etc., does not alter or improve the course of the associated vitiligo
  • Oral β-carotene can be taken long term by patients with diffuse vitiligo or albinism and may impart a more “normal” skin color

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Papulosquamous Lesions: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Psoriasis can be effectively controlled
    –Topical calcipotriene is a nonsteroidal, long-term agent used to control the cutaneous disease
    –Topical steroids, tar, and anthralin preparations; intralesional steroids; salicylic acid and ultraviolet light therapy; methotrexate; acitretin; cyclosporin; and newer biologic therapies such as alefacept and etanercept are used as well
    –Avoid using systemic steroids whenever possible, because a severe flare is common upon their completion
  • Pityriasis rosea is managed symptomatically with oral antihistamines, topical steroids, topical antipruritics (e.g., sarna, calamine), and, in severe cases, with oral steroids, erythromycin or phototherapy
  • Atopic dermatitis
    –Must be approached as a disease of skin barrier function; it is crucial to repair that function with the use of gentle cleansers, emollient creams/oils, topical steroid ointments

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Vesicular & Bullous Lesions: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • HSV-1, HSV-2, and HZV can be effectively treated with antiviral medication (e.g., acyclovir, famciclovir). Early antiviral therapy may decrease the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia. HSV is infectious until all cutaneous lesions have crusted over
  • Bullous impetigo can be treated with topical mupirocin, or systemic antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, cephalexin)
  • Dyshidrotic eczema can be difficult to treat. It is not curable, but can be controlled with high-potency topical steroid ointments and heavy emollients
  • PMLE is preventable with sun avoidance and zinc- or titanium-based sun blocks. Topical steroids can diminish the pruritus that accompanies an episode
  • SJS/TEN treatment consists of supportive care and discontinuing the offending drug, often requiring a burn center; IVIG and systemic steroids are sometimes used.
  • Systemic immunosuppressants (e.g., prednisone, cyclosporin, azathioprine) are often necessary to control autoimmune bullous diseases like pemphigus

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Warts: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Treatment for warts varies according to the location, size, number, pain level (present and projected), history of therapy, the patient’s age, and compliance with treatment. Most persons eventually develop an immune response that causes warts to disappear spontaneously and require no treatment.

Treatment may include:

❑ Electrodesiccation and curettage: High-frequency electric current destroys the wart and is followed by surgical removal of dead tissue at the base and application of an antibiotic ointment (such as polysporin), covered with a bandage, for 48 hours. This method is effective for common, filiform and, occasionally, plantar warts. (See Removing warts by electrosurgery.)

❑ Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen kills the wart; the resulting dried blister is peeled off several days later. If initial treatment isn’t successful, it can be repeated at 2- to 4-week intervals. This method is useful either for periungual warts or for common warts on the face, extremities, penis, vagina, or anus.

❑ Acid therapy (primary or adjunctive): The patient applies plaster patches impregnated with acid (such as 40% salicylic acid plasters) or acid drops (such as 5% to 16.7% salicylic acid in flexible collodion or trichloroacetic or dichloroacetic acids), every 12 to 24 hours for 2 to 4 weeks. This method isn’t recommended for areas where perspiration is heavy, for those parts that are likely to get wet, or for exposed body parts where patches are cosmetically undesirable.

❑ 25% podophyllin in compound with tincture of benzoin (for venereal warts): The podophyllin solution is applied on moist warts. The patient must lie still while it dries, leave it on for 4 hours, and then wash it off with soap and water. Treatment may be repeated every 3 to 4 days and, in some cases, must be left on a maximum of 24 hours, depending on the patient’s tolerance. Avoid using this drug on pregnant patients.

During acid or podophyllin therapy, the patient should protect the surrounding area with petroleum jelly or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). A small amount of 25% to 50% trichloroacetic acid (for venereal warts) is applied to the wart. After the wart turns white, the acid is neutralized with baking soda or water.

❑ Carbon dioxide laser therapy: This treatment has successfully treated genital warts.

The use of antiviral drugs is under investigation; suggestion and hypnosis are occasionally successful, especially with children. Patients can apply topical imiquimod cream to sites that aren’t thickly keratinized. It’s applied at bedtime three times per week. Imiquimod can be used alternately with a topical retinoid such as tazarotene, which may increase effectiveness.

Occlusion may be beneficial to persistent warts.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Genital warts: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Treatment is mostly for cosmetic reasons and should be guided by the patient’s preference. Treatment aims to remove exophytic warts and to ameliorate signs and symptoms. Topical drug therapy (10% to 25% podophyllum in compound benzoin tincture, trichloroacetic acid, or dichloroacetic acid) removes small warts. (Podophyllum is contraindicated in pregnancy.) Warts larger than 2.5 cm are generally removed by carbon dioxide laser treatment, cryosurgery, or electrocautery. Other treatments include Podofilox, Imiquimod, interferon, and combined laser and interferon therapy. No therapy has proved effective in eradicating HPV; relapse is common.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, usually penicillinase-resistant penicillin. Severe cases require hospitalization and I.V. antibiotics. Oral antibiotics should be adequate for milder cases. Skin lubrication with a non–alcohol-based preparation is beneficial. Washing or bathing should be done sparingly. Replacement measures to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance are necessary.

PEDIATRIC TIP Admission is appropriate for neonates and young children with extensive sloughing.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Skin turgor, decreased: Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Advise patients who experience fluid loss (for example, from vomiting or diarrhea) to drink enough fluids to replace their losses. Tell them to drink at least one glass of water (or, preferably, a beverage with higher electrolyte content such as a sports drink) after each loose bowel movement or episode of vomiting, to avoid dehydration. If the patient can’t keep fluids down because of persistent vomiting, he may need an antiemetic or I.V. fluid replacement.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Skin, mottled: Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

If the patient has a chronic condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, periarteritis nodosa, or cryoglobulinemia, advise him to watch for mottled skin because it may indicate a flare-up of his disorder.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Skin, scaly: Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Teach the patient proper skin care, and suggest lubricating baths and emollients. Instruct him not to use hot water to bathe or shower.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)

Systemic antibiotics treat the underlying infection. Replacement measures maintain fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent dehydration. Moist compresses may improve comfort, and an emollient may help keep skin moist.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Skin, clammy: Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Take the patient’s vital signs frequently and monitor urine output. If clammy skin occurs with an anxiety reaction or pain, offer the patient emotional support, administer pain medication, and provide a quiet environment.

Patient teaching

If an underlying illness is related to the patient’s clammy skin, provide information on the condition. If the condition is related to an alteration in the patient’s blood glucose level, provide information on management of hypoglycemia and early signs of a falling blood glucose level. Provide information on the importance of nutrition and hydration.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

Skin, mottled: Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)

Assess for exacerbation of the underlying condition, and refer the patient for medical treatment. Maximize circulation to the affected areas by keeping them warm and in proper alignment.

Patient teaching

If the patient has a chronic condition, such as SLE, periarteritis nodosa, or cryoglobulinemia, advise him to watch for mottled skin because it may indicate a flare-up of his disorder. Encourage the patient to avoid wearing tight clothing and to avoid overexposure to cooling or heating devices.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007

Pustular rash: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Instruct the patient to keep his bathroom articles and linens separate from those of other family members. Associated pain and itching, altered body image, and the stress of isolation may result in anxiety, depression, and loss of sleep. Give medications to relieve pain and itching, and encourage the patient to express his feelings.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Skin, bronze: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Encourage the patient to discuss his concerns about changes in body image. Encourage frequent rest periods if fatigue is a problem. A referral for nutritional counseling may be needed if the patient experiences weight loss, nausea, or vomiting.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Skin, clammy: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Because the patient with cool, clammy skin may be acutely ill, provide emotional support to him and his family. Explain what’s happening using short, simple sentences. Orient them to the intensive care unit, if applicable, explaining the equipment and the unit’s routines.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Skin, mottled: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Teach patients to avoid tight clothing and overexposure to cold or to heating devices, such as hot water bottles and heating pads. If the patient has a chronic condition, such as SLE or periarteritis nodosa, advise him to watch for mottled skin because it may indicate a flare-up of his disorder.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Skin, scaly: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Teach the patient proper skin care, and suggest lubricating baths and emollients. Instruct him not to use hot water to bathe or shower.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Pustular rash: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Observe wound and skin isolation procedures until infection is ruled out by a Gram stain or culture and sensitivity test of the pustule's contents.

▪ If the organism is infectious, don't allow drainage to touch unaffected skin.

▪ Give medications to relieve pain and itching, and encourage the patient to express his feelings.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

▪ Explain methods to prevent the spread of infection.

▪ Discuss ways to relieve pain and itching.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Skin turgor, decreased: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Turn the patient every 2 hours to prevent skin breakdown.

▪ Monitor the patient's intake and output, administer I.V. fluids, and frequently offer oral fluids.

▪ Weigh the patient daily.

▪ Monitor the patient for signs of electrolyte imbalance; monitor laboratory values.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain the disorder and treatment.

▪ Explain to the patient the importance of fluid replacement.

▪ Explain signs and symptoms the patient needs to report.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Skin, clammy: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Take the patient's vital signs frequently.

▪ Monitor the patient's intake and output.

▪ Provide measures to correct the underlying condition. For example, if clammy skin occurs with an anxiety reaction or pain, offer the patient emotional support, administer pain medication, and provide a quiet environment.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain the underlying disorder and its treatment.

▪ Orient the patient to the intensive care unit.

▪ Explain any diagnostic tests or procedures.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Skin, mottled: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Provide care to treat the patient's underlying condition.

▪ Monitor vital signs, especially noting blood pressure.

▪ Monitor the patient's skin for changes in the mottled appearance.

▪ Monitor pulses, noting the strength of impulse.

Patient teaching

▪ Teach the patient to avoid tight clothing and overexposure to cold or to heating devices, such as hot water bottles and heating pads.

▪ Discuss treatment of the underlying condition.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Skin, scaly: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ If scaling results from corticosteroid therapy, wean the patient off the drug. (See Managing the patient with psoriasis, page 567.)

▪ Prepare the patient for such diagnostic tests as a Wood's light examination, skin scraping, and skin biopsy.

▪ Administer lotions and creams, as prescribed.

Patient teaching

▪ Instruct the patient in proper skin care.

▪ Explain the underlying disorder and its treatment.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Warts: Warts - TREATMENT
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)

When to expect improvement:

  • Spontaneous resolution has been observed in common, flat, genital, and plantar warts. In healthy individuals, 75% of warts regress without treatment within 3 years.
  • Any therapy and its side effects must be measured against the high rate of resolution without intervention.
  • With the various treatment modalities, a response is generally seen within weeks to several months.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008



 » Next page: Alternative Treatments for Warts

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