Warts in Teens: Care Instructions

Overview

A wart is a harmless skin growth caused by a virus. The virus makes the top layer of skin grow quickly, causing a wart. Warts usually go away on their own in months or years. There are several types of warts. Common warts appear most often on the hands, but they may be anywhere on the body.

Warts spread easily. You can reinfect yourself by touching the wart and then touching another part of your body. You can infect others by sharing towels, razors, or other personal items.

Most warts don't need treatment. But if warts cause pain or they spread, your doctor may recommend that you use an over-the-counter treatment. Or your doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine to put on warts or may inject them with medicine. The doctor also can remove warts through surgery or by freezing them.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Use salicylic acid or silver duct tape as your doctor directs. Put the medicine on every day or put the tape over a wart for 6 days and then file down the dead skin on the wart. You can use the salicylic acid treatment for up to 3 months or the duct tape for up to 2 months. You may also use the medicine and the duct tape together to increase the chances that the wart will go away.
• If your doctor prescribes medicine to put on warts, use it exactly as directed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.

To avoid spreading warts

• Keep warts covered with a bandage or tape.
• Don't bite your nails or cuticles. This may spread warts from one finger to another.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from a wart.
  • Pus draining from a wart.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.