Wart's the Problem

Warts are harmless skin growth caused by mildly contagious common virus, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are rough, thick papules that can develop solitarily or in large numbers. HPV can be contracted through direct and indirect contact, and the virus most commonly enters the body through areas of the skin that are moist, cracked, or peeling, and certainly not by contact with toads as legends has it.. The incubation period of the average wart is 2 to 9 months following infection. Warts are generally benign but some types can cause pain and discomfort.

Left untreated, almost any wart will go away without treatment but it can take two years for that to happen. However, there are several treatment methods that can decrease discomfort and speed up the process. Some warts may require repeated treatments because they commonly reoccur and are quite difficult to eradicate completely.

One option is through physical removal, such as scraping and burning, and must be performed by a medical professional. These procedures may include the use of liquid nitrogen, laser, or surgical curettage.

There are over-the-counter wart treatment solutions that are available in the market. Salicylic acid is usually the active ingredient of these medications which is proven to speed up the healing process considerably.