Contrary to the folk myth that they are caused by contact with frogs, warts are actually the result of a viral infection that is passed from human to human, usually through openings in the skin on the hands. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one cause of warts. The American Academy of Dermatology labels common hand warts as a type of “seed wart” due to the tiny black wart spots created by the blood vessels attached to the growths.
Tape Treatment
Early treatment of small warts is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Small growths may respond to a home treatment using cellophane or construction duct tape. The tape covers the virus and deprives the wart of oxygen necessary to live and expand. The treatment involves large squares of tape applied over the wart and surrounding skin. Care should be taken in applying and removing the tape, according to the AAD, since the older virus cells may be shed to skin on other parts of the hand to create new warts. Continue the tape therapy until the wart disappears. This may take several months. For best results, keep the tape in place as long as possible during the day and night.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is sold as an over-the-counter medication for wart removal. Nearly 60 manufacturers in the US and Canada sell the acid in topical preparations that include lotion, soap, foam, gel, jelly, ointment, cream and stick. The acid is also available as a solution-soaked pad and dressing that is designed to cover the wart. The Mayo Clinic says that the strength of the preparation varies with the product. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in skin disorder treatments and is also used for psoriasis, acne, corns, calluses and seborrheic dermatitis.
The Mayo Clinic discourages the use of salicylic acid by young children (under 2 years old) and senior-age adults. Women who are breastfeeding, people with kidney and liver diseases, and diabetics should also avoid the substance. Salicylic acid may interfere with common drugs, and so a pharmacist should be consulted regarding possible prescription drug interaction. Avoid using alcohol and tobacco while using the acid treatments. People experiencing flu symptoms or chicken pox must not use the salicylic acid until the diseases are no longer present.
Other Treatments
Warts, especially in young children, disappear from the hands without any treatment as the body’s immune system destroys the virus. Adult warts, although less likely to disappear, also change over time and sometimes reduce in size without intervention. While warts have been the subject of scientific and clinical study, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the most effective preventions and treatments, according to the AAD.
Self-surgery, including cutting, tearing and rubbing, is not effective and may lead to spreading the virus to other parts of the hand. Treatment with bentonite clay and frankincense oil is touted on certain Internet websites, but the National Institutes of Health, the Mayo Clinic and the American Dermatological Association do not recognize the use of either treatment. The AAD recommends examination of the wart by a trained professional before home treatment to rule out the possibility that the growth is a form of cancer and not simply a benign HPV growth.
