How a Wart Works
Warts originate with a virus that causes a root to form under the skin. This root gives way to a raised, bumpy growth on the surface of the skin. Warts are usually painless and their removal is mainly for aesthetic reasons. Warts can be removed by a doctor who will freeze or surgically remove the wart. As an alternative, wart removal can be done at home with one of several over-the-counter medications.
However, warts caused by HPV that appear on the genitals or persistent warts that appear on any part of the body, should be treated by a doctor.
Types of Wart Medicines
Traditional topical medications come in the form of liquids or patches that adhere to the skin. These contain salycylic acid that over time, will dissolve the wart. The process here is two fold. First, the medicine kills the root, which is the origin of the wart. Once the root is dead, the wart will die as well. Second, the acid causes injury to the skin. This sends a signal to the immune system that there is damage that needs to be healed. Once that happens, the body takes over and attacks the wart. Although not quite as effective as freezing in a doctor's office, as an alternative, one may purchase aerosol freezing medicines over the counter to use at home. Treatment times for all methods can vary anywhere from a few days to several months.
Alternatives
Besides traditional topical medications, over-the-counter aerosols and professional medical treatments, there are a few herbal and home remedies that may help to get rid of warts. Natural remedies include application of garlic cloves, the sap of the greater celandine plant and meat tenderizer. The wart may be covered with duct tape or a heating pad to bake it out. Zinc supplements, hypnosis and abstinence from alcohol are all also reputed to help.
Tags: skin This, that appear, topical medications