Common warts

B07

• Description
• General measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

Seen most often on the hands and fingers, but can be found anywhere on the body.
Raised nodules with a rough ‘warty’ surface.

GENERAL MEASURES

In most cases they should be left alone, as they will spontaneously resolve.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• Salicylic acid, 15 to 30%, topical liquid application.
  • Protect surrounding skin with petroleum jelly.
  • Apply daily to wart and allow to dry.
  • Occlude for 24 hours.
  • Soften lesions by soaking in warm water and remove loosened keratin by light abrasion.
  • Wash well, dry, reapply the wart paint and occlude.
  • Repeat process daily until the wart disappears.

LoEIII [18]

REFERRAL

Extensive warts.