What are the treatment options for warts?

Warts are localised growths linked to a skin virus. Their site, size, number, thickness and effect on walking or daily activity all influence treatment. A clinician may also check that a growth is a wart before treating it, because some lesions can look similar.

Cryotherapy freezes the lesion and the treated area then heals. Wart removal may use a procedure chosen for the particular site. Electrosurgery uses controlled heat to destroy targeted tissue. Imiquimod is a prescription cream that changes local immune activity and is used only when a clinician considers it suitable.

Do not pick, cut or deliberately injure a wart, and avoid sharing towels, nail tools or footwear that contacts the lesion. Keep the area clean and covered if it rubs against clothing or is likely to touch another person's skin. Follow the exact application instructions for prescribed imiquimod.

After a procedure, mild soreness, redness or a blister may occur depending on the method. Keep the site protected as advised and do not remove a scab early. Several visits may be needed, particularly for thick or clustered lesions, and recurrence can occur because treatment targets the visible growth rather than every viral particle.

Arrange an assessment for a wart that bleeds, changes quickly, becomes unusually painful, returns repeatedly or does not respond to a reasonable treatment plan. A lesion on the face, genitals, around a nail or on a pressure-bearing area deserves particular care because treatment can affect nearby tissue.

Seek prompt help for spreading redness, pus, worsening swelling, fever or severe pain after treatment. People with diabetes, reduced sensation or weakened immunity should obtain medical advice before attempting removal at home.

Ask how the lesion was identified, which method fits its location, how to protect surrounding skin and whether you need follow-up. If imiquimod, cryotherapy or electrosurgery is proposed, ask what local reaction to expect and when to report it.