Viral Wart Removal

There are several types of warts, including:

• Common warts: Rough, raised bumps (often seen on fingers or knuckles)
• Plantar warts (verrucae): Found on the soles of the feet, often painful to walk on
• Flat warts: Smoother, flatter lesions often found on the face or legs
• Filiform warts: Long, thin projections typically seen on the face or neck
• Genital warts: These warts are caused by certain sub-types of HPV and are sexually transmitted and appear as small, raised bumps or cauliflower-like growths. Please note that these are not treated at our clinic
• Periungal warts: occur around the nailfold and can therefore cause distortion of the nail as it grows.

The challenge with viral wart treatment is the fact that it is still down to your own immune system to definitively clear the virus that causes the wart. For thos reason we have to warn about significant recurrence risk.

The best treatment methods will be recommended depending on the size, thickness and number of warts present.

Depending on these factors, we offer the following non-surgical and surgical treatment approaches:

• Cryotherapy: A quick-freeze technique using a precision tool to deliver the freezing spray directly to the lesion. This is more accurate and powerful than at-home freezing kits, so it is still a good option, even if you have tried to freeze your warts at home. No anaesthetic is required and as it is the least invasive option, it carries with it the least downtime and minimal risk.
• Shave Excision/Curettage and Cautery: Ideal for thicker or stubborn warts. Under local anaesthesia, the wart is gently scooped away and the base is cauterised. The wound is then left to heal on its own from the inside out, in a process that can take 7-10 days.
• Cautery/ Electrosurgery: A fine probe is used to “burn” and vaporise the lesions, promptly removing them with minimal bleeding. Small lesions vaporise and disappear instantly, whereas slightly larger ones with crust and drop off over a number of days.

Treatments may be repeated within 4-6 weeks if required for complete resolution.

Your aftercare advice is an important step to ensuring optimal healing.

• Downtime is very minimal with cryotherapy but can be several days for surgically excised warts (especially deep warts in the soles of the feet).
• Where there is a wound, keep it covered and dry for 1-2 days.
• You may experience tenderness or spotting of blood in the area for a few days.
• Apply Vaseline to the treatment area 2-3 times a day until any scabbing gently peels away.
• It can take 7-10 days for the scabs to peel off: Avoid strenuous activity, swimming or saunas until this process is complete.
• Avoid excessive friction or contact (e.g. tight shoes/clothing) until fully healed.
• You will then be left with pink or slightly darker marks in the treated areas which will then continue to fade and blend in as time goes on.
• Protect fresh scars from UV radiation by using high factor SPF to reduce risk inflammation, irritation and redness.

We will schedule a follow-up if required and you are always encouraged to contact us with any post-treatment concerns.