Wart
A wart is a generally small, rough, cauliflower-like growth, typically on hands and feet. Warts are common and contagious, caused by a viral infection with one of the Papilloma virus strains. They typically disappear after a few months but, if untreated, can last for years and can recur. A few Papilloma viruses are known to cause cancer. Possible treatments for warts include:
However, none of these treatments are very effective. The wart often returns right after the skin has healed from the treatment. Over-the-counter products containing the active ingredient salicylic acid are readily available at any drug store or supermarket. There are typically two types of products: adhesive pads treated with salicylic acid or a bottle of concentrated salicylic acid. In order to remove the wart, one must follow a strict regimen of cleaning the area, applying the salicylic acid, and clearing the dead skin. It may take up to 12 weeks to remove a stubborn wart. The following household remedy is recommended for three consecutive days: Put the "wart cells" in hot water with washing liquid. However it is difficult to prove whether the warts disappear because of the household remedy or by an immune reaction. A household remedy whose efficacy has been ratified by at least one study is placing a piece of duct tape (medical tape works too) over the affected area for a week at a time, rubbing off the dead wart cells with a pumice stone or emery board between tapings; this treatment is believed also to work as a result of an heightened immune response at the site of the wart. Particularly stubborn warts may need to be cut off completely, but this method should be used as a last resort, as it is both painful and can lead to infection. See also Genital wart. External links
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