$Unique_ID{BRK00479}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Wart Remedies}
$Subject{warts removal viruses viral infection infections Skin virus
Electrocautery burning wart cryosurgery freezing liquid nitrogen flexible
collodion salicylic acid lactic peel}
$Volume{A-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Wart Remedies


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I am bothered by flocks of warts on the fingers of both my hands.
I can sometimes pick off one or two, but usually they just grow back.  Is it
true that frequently soaking your hands in a solution made from vinegar and
sea water can both make the damn things disappear as well as preventing them
from returning?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Your "solution" is a new one to me, although the remedies that are
claimed to cure the common wart sometimes defies imagination.  Mark Twain used
"spunk water" and a dead cat twirled over your head on the end of a length of
string.  The reason that such therapies seem to work can be the due to the
fact that sometimes warts just go away by themselves, but the new "cure" gets
the credit.  Warts are caused by a virus, which explains why they sometimes
spread or come in clusters.  One thing for sure, picking at them as you do
will only make them spread, and may explain why you seem never to be without
them.  Although not all remedies work on all warts, or all the time, medical
science has come up with its own weapons to attack this ever occurring
nuisance.  Electrocautery, or burning warts with a controlled electrical
current, may require but a single session to eradicate your warts.  Frequently
cryosurgery, or freezing with liquid nitrogen, is effective in treating single
small uncomplicated warts.  Several applications of a flexible collodion
solution containing 16% salicylic acid and 16% lactic acid may just peel those
offensive bumps away.  The problem is that they may recur if some of the virus
remains in the body.  However, a bit of patience and careful, repeated
treatments of one type or another may soon see you rid of your problem.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.