Medicines for warts
introduction
Warts are usually a harmless but visually disturbing skin phenomenon. Those affected suffer when looking in the mirror, especially on exposed parts of the body, such as hands or face.
In almost all cases, the triggers are viruses, which can easily e.g. transmitted in the swimming pool or sauna.
Fortunately, many warts go away by themselves, especially in childhood and adolescence.
Basically, however, all are Warts with medication treatable. Unfortunately, treatment can be extremely tedious and sufferers may have to be patient. In addition, it is not uncommon for warts to reappear in the same places after a while and need to be treated again.
Make an exception Warts in the genital area, the so-called Genital warts They must be treated promptly and consistently with medication, otherwise they can become malignant and cause cancer.
Depending on Type and location of the wart stand different Medication to disposal. They are often easy to use and can be used independently at home.
What groups of drugs are there?
If those affected do not wait for the self-healing process and want to declare war on the annoying warts, the pharmacy offers a variety of possible medications. Which groups are there?
Keratolytic Drugs
Medication with Salicylic acid, Lactic acid and urea lead to gradual Softening of the cornea and ultimately to dissolve the wart. With great care, the unaesthetic lump can be removed in layers after a while. Mostly the application is done with a small brush.
Freeze warts
For several years now, various manufacturers have also been offering drugs Icing of the wart for home. With a small foam sponge, liquid nitrogen is released at the push of a button, so that locally short-term temperatures of -50 degrees arise. As a result, the annoying wart tissue dies and over time it separates from the underlying, healthy skin.
Icing sprays are Not suitable for small children, diabetics or genital warts.
5-fluorouracil
5-fluorouracil inhibits the Multiplication of the disease-causing viruses and thus causes the wart to heal slowly. The active ingredient belongs to the group of prescription drugs and must be used by those affected on the wart three times a day be applied.
Warts on the foot
Warts on the foot represent a cosmetic problem in a few cases. Instead, painful plantar warts are found mainly under the soles of the feet.
They arise mainly from with high pressure load, to grow thorn-shaped into the depth and can sometimes be great Pain cause. Those affected should first take over-the-counter drugs from the pharmacy, such as salicylic acid, try to treat the warts (Remove warts). Here, too, patience is required, as plantar warts in particular are sometimes difficult to deal with are.
Fortunately, the healthy cornea on the foot is relatively insensitive to the medication, so that excessive caution does not have to be exercised.
If the wart on the foot just does not go away and the pain increases, a doctor should be consulted. Prescription drugs, like 5-fluorouracil can inhibit the plantar wart viruses and provide relief.
Warts on the face
Warts on the face can be very stressful for those affected. Since our facial skin is very sensitive and our eyes are quickly irritated to acidic medication, a sure instinct is required when choosing and using medication.
So it is advisable to consult a doctor before treatment. Especially near the eyes, should be on Removal medication dispensed with become.
Alternatively, a minor surgical procedure may be an option. The wart is carefully "peeled off" under local anesthesia so that, ideally, no scar remains.
Warts in the genital area
Warts in the genital area belong to the gender communicable diseases and are a very uncomfortable topic for many people affected. Nevertheless, you should definitely consult a doctor for treatment, as the so-called Genital warts e.g. Can cause cervical cancer. In addition, the choice of medication depends on the type of virus, which can only be identified by a doctor.
Medicines that support the immune system, such as Interferon ointment, as well as anti-virus agents such as Imiquimod or podophyllotoxin.
Since the skin in the genital area is very sensitive, it is difficult to prevent side reactions of the medication such as redness, itching or inflammation. For some years now, there have been vaccinations against the causative HPV virus for young girls in Germany. Warts in the genital area can thus be observed significantly less.
Warts on the finger
Children and adolescents in particular often suffer from warts on their fingers. In many cases spontaneous regression occurs, so that therapy with medication is not always necessary in principle.
In addition to the aesthetic aspect, small children in particular tend to scratch the annoying knobs on their fingers. The highly contagious viruses reach other areas of the skin and can cause further warts there. Therefore, it is not uncommon for children to have multiple warts on one finger.
Various drugs from the pharmacy are suitable for use, such as Combination preparations with lactic and salicylic acid.
Icing spray must not yet be used on children under four years of age. Some preparations can also be purchased in plaster form and can replace tinctures.
Also read: Warts in children
Are wart treatment drugs over the counter or only available on prescription?
In uncomplicated cases are suitable over-the-counter drugs from the pharmacy for wart treatment. E.g. individual warts on the hands are often treated on their own.
Plantar warts under the sole of the foot, on the other hand, are rather stubborn and often require stronger prescription drugs. At Genital warts usually only help prescription means. You should also seek help from a doctor if you have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, circulatory disorders or immune deficiencies.
Almost all acidic drugs are prescription-free and can be purchased in pharmacies, and sometimes even in drugstores. Stronger drugs like Imiquimod, but can only use doctor's prescription to be bought.
