What are the treatment options for warts and verrucas in children?
The three most commonly used treatments are:
- Salicylic acid
- Freezing treatment
- Covering with duct tape.
Each of these is now discussed further.
Salicylic acid
There are various lotions, paints, and special plasters that contain salicylic acid. You can buy these at pharmacies, or your doctor may prescribe one. Read the instructions in the packet on how to use the brand you buy or are prescribed, or ask your pharmacist for advice. Usually:
- You need to apply each day for up to three months. This 'acid burns' off the top layer.
- Every few days rub off the dead tissue from the top of the wart with emery paper (or similar). Gradually the wart is 'burnt off' and 'rubbed away'.
- It is best if you soak the wart in water for 5-10 minutes before applying acid.
- You should not apply acid to the face because of the risk of skin irritation which may cause scarring.
- If you have diabetes or poor circulation, you should use salicylic acid only on the advice of a doctor.
If you put the acid on correctly each day you have a good chance of clearing the warts within three months. Studies report that about 7-8 in 10 warts are cleared within three months with daily use of salicylic acid. Tips for success include:
- Try not to get the acid on the skin next to the wart as it may become irritated. You can protect the nearby skin by putting some Vaseline on the normal skin beforehand, or by putting on a plaster with a hole in it which just exposes the wart for treatment.
- If the surrounding skin does become sore, stop the treatment for a few days until it settles. Then re-start treatment. There is also a small risk that you may get a skin allergy to the treatment. If this occurs, the surrounding skin becomes red and itchy.
- It may take two weeks or more before you notice any improvement. It can take up to three months of daily applications for warts to go completely.
- Treatment may work better if you put a plaster on the wart after applying the acid.
- Acid lotions and paints are flammable. Keep them away from open fires and flames.
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Susan Eglinton, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I am looking for information on why a child gets a wart. What is it that makes a wart develop? Why some have them and others dont. Is it a stress related reation or inbalance within the body system leaving this skin reation, or is it dietry? Also a diagram defining the different forms of warts. My daughter started with a verrucca under her toe. This we managed to finally freeze using appropriate application, but now I wonder whether her touching or rubbing it has led to a cluster of small warts on her wrist, or whether the two styles of warts are completely separate reactions. Thank you. Susan