Warts are a commonly known problem that tends to appear at least once in people’s lives. They usually are harmless and disappear on their own after a few weeks or months.
However, they can also be uncomfortable because of their appearance and cause pain. That is why many people resort to warts treatments.
Although there are several warts treatments available, some may not work for certain types of warts. Even after successful treatment, new warts might reappear as a consequence of infected skin or viruses remain.
Therefore, before engaging in any treatment, it is always better to consult a medical professional.
In this article, check the pros and cons of the most common warts treatments. Keep reading and find out!
Holistic alternatives (home remedies)
Usually, this is the first action people take to try to remove warts. Some commonly known options are apple cider vinegar, banana peel, garlic, aloe vera, and many other solutions.
It can be a great way to get rid of warts when it is a simple wart, and the person in question has no previous health problem linked to it.
Pros
- Quick and usually pain-free method;
- It is highly popular for kids.
- Usually can be done with materials found at home, so it is also cheap.
Cons
- Wart removal requires discipline and multiple applications, so it can be tiring to do it on your own;
- A lot of people may give up mid-treatment, which can cause problems like scarring;
- Some treatments may not remove the wart completely or not even work.
Over-the-counter products
Another popular wart treatment option. This type of medicine can come in the format of gel, pad, ointment, or liquid.
They work by softening abnormal skin cells and dissolving them. Usually, the main substance present in those products is salicylic acid.
Freezing sprays is also an often over-the-counter medicine for warts. This kind of treatment requires daily applications and usually takes several weeks.
Pros
- Not so expensive treatment;
- Self-application, which means you do not have to pay for medical care;
- It is a safe option, mostly because warts are usually harmless.
Cons
- Not recommended for people with a weak immune system or diabetes;
- It can take longer than treating with a doctor. For example, in the spray freezing treatment. This happens because it might not freeze the wart deep enough and, therefore, it might not be effective.
- May cause allergic reactions in some people because of the salicylic acid present.
Cryotherapy
This treatment freezes the wart by applying liquid nitrogen to it and then removing it. This process is repeated many times, usually once a week.
The physician applies the nitrogen with a cotton swab, holding it against the wart for some time, or sprays with a small nozzle.
Pros
- It is a quick method. Studies shared by IQWiG (Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care) show that cryotherapy can be a faster way to get rid of warts.
- It has a fair price;
- It is an almost painless treatment.
Cons
- The same studies mentioned before showed that cryotherapy is not as effective on soles of the feet;
- It may need follow-up treatments to get rid of remaining warts.
- It can leave a blister or a scar;
- It can provoke discoloration and skin irritation.
Laser treatment
This is a surgical method usually used when other wart remover options have not worked. The physician uses a laser beam directed at the wart to burn it and kill the infected area. Warts usually fall off after a while.
Pros
- It can be more effective when there are many warts to remove;
- Good for stubborn warts;
- It is a safe wart treatment;
Cons
- It can leave scars;
- It may be painful if anesthesia is not used;
- More expensive option compared to others.
Now that you have learned the most commonly known methods and the pros and cons of warts treatments, you can wisely choose the one that best suits your needs.
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