Preparations for warts and calluses

Preparations for warts and calluses

Warts (verrucas) are caused by a human papillomavirus, which most frequently affects the hands, feet (plantar warts), and the anogenital region (see below); treatment usually relies on local tissue destruction. Warts may regress on their own and treatment is required only if the warts are painful, unsightly, persistent, or cause distress.

SALICYLIC ACID-LACTIC ACID:

Indications: treatment of warts.

Contraindications: Facial and anogenital warts.

Dose and Administration: Apply daily to the affected areas only. Children under the age of 12 years should be treated under supervision. Treatment of infants under the age of 2 years is not recommended.

PODOPHYLLOTOXIN:

Indications: For the treatment of penile warts (condylomata acuminata), located in the preputial space, and for the treatment of external genital warts (condylomata acuminata) in women.

Contraindications: Treatment of open wounds, for example, after surgical procedures. Hypersensitivity to podophyllotoxin. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Dose and Administration: Apply cream or solution twice daily for 3 days. If warts persist, 3 day treatment may be repeated weekly for up to 4 weeks in total.

SILVER NITRATE:

Indications: warts, verrucas, umbilical granulomas, over-granulating tissue, and cauterisation.

Contraindications: Facial or anogenital warts.

Dose and Administration: Abrade surface of wart or verruca. Place the protective dressing pads over the wart/ verucca to protect the surrounding skin. Moisten tip of pencil and apply for one to two minutes. Cover with a plaster. Repeat after 24 hours, up to three treatments for warts, six for verrucae.