Does electrosurgery treat warts?

Warts are growths caused by a viral infection in the outer skin. Electrosurgery uses electrical energy to produce heat that destroys the visible wart; the clinician may also scrape away softened tissue during the same procedure. The method can be considered for a wart that is suitable for a minor procedure or has not responded to simpler care.

The treated site usually becomes a small wound and may be tender, crusted, or swollen. Because viral particles can remain in surrounding skin, a wart can recur or another wart can develop. The location, size, thickness, and number of lesions influence the treatment plan.

Have the lesion examined before removal, especially if it is bleeding, unusually pigmented, painful, or unlike previous warts. Mention diabetes, reduced immunity, poor circulation, medicines affecting bleeding, or a history of difficult wound healing.

Keep the treated area clean and covered as instructed. Do not pick the crust, share towels or nail tools, or shave across the lesion while it heals. Wash hands after touching the site and follow advice about reducing contact with the wart on other parts of the body.

Seek assessment for a growth that changes quickly, ulcerates, bleeds repeatedly, or does not fit the usual appearance of a wart. After electrosurgery, contact the clinic if pain or redness is increasing, drainage becomes cloudy or foul-smelling, fever develops, or bleeding persists.

Ask whether the lesion needs confirmation, whether scraping will be combined with electrosurgery, how the wound should be covered, how long activity may need to be adjusted, and what to do if the wart returns.