Trichloroacetic acid for wart removal

Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, is a strong chemical that causes a controlled injury in the treated surface. A clinician applies it to the wart while protecting nearby skin. The area may turn pale, sting or become tender, then form a crust as it heals. Warts are caused by a viral infection in the skin, so removing visible tissue does not always remove the tendency for another wart to appear.

A bump that resembles a wart may instead be a corn, irritated mole, skin cancer or another condition. Diagnosis is especially important for a lesion that bleeds, changes colour, grows quickly or occurs on genital skin.

Do not use household acids or a cosmetic peel on a wart. Before treatment, tell the clinician about diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation, immune problems, pregnancy and any previous reaction to wart treatments. These details can change whether TCA is suitable or how closely the skin should be monitored.

Keep the treated site clean and follow the dressing instructions you receive. Do not pick a crust, shave across the area or share towels, nail tools or footwear that contacts the lesion. Attend the planned review if the wart remains, because repeat treatment or a different option may be needed.

Contact the clinic for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, worsening pain or a wound that is not healing. Arrange assessment promptly if the lesion bleeds without being rubbed, changes in appearance or returns repeatedly. Seek urgent help for rapidly worsening swelling or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Ask whether the lesion is definitely a wart, why TCA was chosen, how surrounding skin will be protected, what wound care is needed, how many visits may be considered and what changes should trigger an earlier review.