I think the most important thing I can share here is making sure everyone realizes warts are just a part of life.  No, not everyone is destined to get them but up to 20% of children in the tween and teen (and even younger) years probably will find one at some point on their body.  And since I've seen a recent run of them in the office (including a phone conversation or two from concerned parents), why not share some of the current treatment measures available for your child these days.

But something to keep in mind with wart treatment (excluding the genital warts which we'll leave for another discussion at a later date) is that if nothing is done, roughly 2/3 of all lesions will spontaneously resolve within 2 years.  Granted, 2 years is a long enough period, but the point is, these not so aesthetic lesions are rather harmless (except on rare occasions).  Yes, they are caused by the same virus (Human Papillomavirus-HPV) that can also cause cervical cancer (please see my earlier discussion for a greater explanation about HPV... http://www.dailystrength.org/blog/533-immunizations-iv-tweenteen-years), but when we talk about common warts or flat warts or plantar warts, any great concern should be minimized.

And one last thing to keep in mind is there is no absolute 100% cure.  Failure and recurrences can occur (probably not the pep-talk you all were looking for) but remember most will self-resolve over time even if nothing is done.

So in no particular order here are a few of the current treatment measures available these days:

Salicylic acid: part of the ‘do it yourself' mentality where this medication can be purchased over-the-counter and applied at home.  Usually I recommend using a pumice stone after a warm soak to wear down the calloused portion of the wart then apply the salicylic acid remedy.  Repeated application will be required.

Imiqumoid (brand name Aldara): although not necessarily approved for nongenital warts, some anecdotal success has been reported.  Two other key points surrounding this medication is multiple applications will be needed and skin irritation can occur.

Cantharidin: yes, the beetle juice method.  Can be quite effective but be aware can cause some blistering and usually done by the dermatologist with repeat application at 3-4 week intervals.

Liquid nitrogen: a type of cryosurgery which is usually applied by spraying it around the wart.  Repeated applications are usually needed and blistering can also occur with this method.

Electrodesiccation and curettage: more effective than liquid nitrogen but method can be painful and leave scars.

Podophyllin: used more often for genital warts and with a decent list of adverse effects.

Cidofovir: although still considered an investigative drug, some positive response has been noted in individuals with recurrent common warts.  As an aside, this antiviral medication is used in HIV patients with cytomegalovirus.

Duct tape: just reapply duct tape daily to the wart.  Although good success has been reported, I can't say I've seen the same with my patients.

Tretinoin: yes, the same topical medication used for acne and yes, some success in treating some warts.

Granted, this list may not be complete so please feel free to share your what you have used for either your child or yourself.

Dr. Jeremy