Warts on the hands can make a person feel self-conscious. Although warts may eventually go away on their own, this process can take years. For this reason, many people opt for treatment, whether through home remedies or medical procedures, to remove warts more quickly.

What are warts?

Warts are abnormal skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus infects the skin, leading to rapid tissue growth.

Warts are generally benign and can appear on the skin or mucous membranes, like inside the mouth. They come in various forms, including flat warts, common warts, plantar warts (on the soles of the feet), filiform warts (long and thin), and genital warts. They range in size from as small as 1 mm to several centimetres, and they can be skin-colored, brown, grey, or black.

Gambar 1: Kutil biasa. Credit: Dermnetnz.org

Gambar 2: Kutil filiform. Credit: Dermnetnz.org

Though warts are usually easy to identify, sometimes it can be tricky to recognize them. If you're unsure about an unusual growth on your skin, it's best to see a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Howto remove warts on hands

There are several ways to remove warts. While they can disappear without treatment, this can take years. If you choose not to treat the wart, avoid touching it, as this can spread the virus to other parts of your body or to others. Even after removal, warts may return in different areas.

The treatment method depends on the type of wart. Here are some ways to remove them:

Salicylic acid

For home treatment, products containing salicylic acid, such as pads, gels, or toners, can be used. Look for products with a high concentration (17%) of salicylic acid and apply daily for several weeks. Before using salicylic acid, soak or compress the wart in warm water for a few minutes to soften the skin.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, a natural acidic liquid made from fermented apples, contains antimicrobial compounds that may help fight HPV. To treat warts, mix apple cider vinegar with water in a 2:1 ratio. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to the wart, then cover it with a bandage for 3-4 hours daily. If this causes skin irritation, stop the treatment immediately.

Electrodesiccation and curettage

This medical procedure destroys abnormal tissue using high-frequency electrical energy delivered through a needle. It’s performed by a doctor under local anesthesia.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. The extreme cold kills the HPV virus, making the wart easier to remove. This treatment can also be combined with salicylic acid. Multiple sessions may be needed for complete removal.

Laser therapy

If other treatments fail, doctors may recommend laser therapy. The laser burns the blood vessels in the wart, killing the tissue and causing it to fall off.

Some types of warts can be treated at home, while others require professional care. If you notice a wart on your hand, it is best to consult a doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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