What should you know about duct tape to get rid of warts?

A wart is a rough growth caused by a viral infection in the outer skin. Covering it may reduce rubbing and may make the surface easier to file gently, but tape does not reliably remove the infected tissue. Adhesive, moisture and repeated peeling can cause redness, soreness, blistering or a raw patch. Do not place tape over broken skin, a mole, or a lesion that has not been identified as a wart.

If you try a home approach, stop when the skin becomes painful, cracked or inflamed, and avoid sharing towels, nail tools or footwear. Keep the area clean and dry, wash your hands after touching it, and do not cut or burn the wart yourself. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and discuss options such as Wart Removal, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), Electrosurgery or Imiquimod Treatment when appropriate.

Arrange an assessment if the growth bleeds, changes quickly, is very painful, spreads, or returns after treatment. Seek advice sooner for a wart on the face, genitals, around a nail, or on skin with reduced sensation or poor circulation. A diagnosis is especially useful when the surface is smooth, pigmented or unlike your other warts.

Could this be something other than a wart? Which treatment fits its location and thickness? How should I protect nearby skin, and what signs mean I should stop home treatment?