Wart clinic
What are warts?
There are different types of warts. Common warts are rough-feeling bumps that mainly occur on the hands. Verrucas (plantar warts) are located in the callus layer of the sole of the foot and can be bothersome when walking. Molluscum contagiosum (water warts) are smooth, small bumps with a dimple in the centre, which mainly occur in children. There are also other types of warts.
More information can be found at thuisarts.nl.
What causes them?
Warts are caused by a viral infection. When the virus comes into contact with the skin, warts can develop. Susceptibility varies from person to person. The virus thrives in moist environments such as swimming pools and gyms. Multiple warts can develop from a single infection. Picking or biting warts promotes spread. Children who suck on infected fingers develop clusters of warts around that area.
Are they harmful?
Warts are harmless. Molluscum contagiosum is sometimes accompanied by irritation and eczema. Verrucas can sometimes be bothersome when walking. Most warts disappear spontaneously within two years, although some persist longer. The timing of disappearance varies from person to person.
What can you do yourself?
- Wear shoes/slippers in gyms and swimming pools to reduce the risk of infection
- Avoid picking at warts to prevent multiplication
- Apply wart tincture daily to common warts (available from the pharmacy)
- Do not use tincture on molluscum contagiosum due to the risk of irritation
- For irritated skin around molluscum contagiosum: apply a rich cream
- Molluscum contagiosum does not need to be treated unless it causes problems
When should you see the GP?
Treatment is only necessary when warts cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about a skin growth.
Self-treatment
Feet
Apply 30% salicylic acid in petroleum jelly daily (available via a prescription from the assistant). Protect the surrounding skin with perforated tape. File daily to near-bleeding point.
Hands
Apply 20% salicylic collodion daily (or every other day) (available via a prescription from the assistant). Soak in warm water for 5 minutes beforehand. Dry thoroughly before application. Cover completely with drops. Protect surrounding skin. File daily to near-bleeding point.
Wart treatment with nitrogen
Make an appointment with the practice assistants. Liquid nitrogen in steaming containers freezes the wart and surrounding tissue, causing it to die off. Blisters usually disappear within a week. The pain is comparable to a mild burn. Inform children in advance. Treatment in a single session may be incomplete.
Before the wart clinic
Pre-treatment with self-treatment improves the results of the clinic treatment.
After the application
- Do not cover with plasters
- Do not puncture blisters
- Swimming and bathing are allowed
- If the blister bursts within 48 hours: take extra care against infection
- Nitrogen treatment needs to be repeated after approximately 4 weeks
- Success is not guaranteed