Warts? No thanks!
Local treatments (with over-the-counter drugs) or cryotherapy can be used to fight and treat warts.
The combination of the two treatments is also useful to eradicate recurrent, cluster or painful warts.
Topical products act by attacking the intercellular cement of the stratum corneum to facilitate flaking of the skin scales.
Here the most common treatments
Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid
Salicylic acid-based solutions are highly effective against warts. Research has shown that salicylic acid is absorbed through the skin, with maximum plasma levels occurring between 6 to 12 hours after application. To be effective, concentrated salicylic acid products for the elimination of warts must be applied directly to the affected areas on a daily basis for several weeks, until the skin thickening is eradicated.
Cryotherapy
To combat warts, cryotherapy is an option. Scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of salicylic acid, as contained in the Duofilm medication, combined with cryotherapy to permanently remove warts and prevent recurrences.
Children and adolescents
The segment of the population most affected by warts is that of school-age children, peaking in the age group of between 10 and 15 years. The most prevalent type of wart is the common wart (approximately 70%), followed by plantar and flat warts.
To prevent foot warts in children and adolescents:
- Keep feet dry
- Avoid walking or standing barefoot around the edges of pools
- Do not share shoes, socks or towels with other children
- Do not wear shoes and socks that make feet sweat
- It is important to treat warts with topical medication as soon as they appear, in order to prevent them from multiplying and spreading to other areas of the body.
- Salicylic acid-based medications aid the elimination of warts from feet, thanks to the combination of salicylic acid (16.7%) and lactic acid (15%). However, consult with a doctor before using the medication on children between the ages of 2 and 12. Duofilm should only be used when clearly needed, and under direct medical supervision. Application on children must be fully supervised by an adult. Do not administer to children under the age of 2 years.
Prevention of warts in the gym or swimming pool
The spread of warts is facilitated by warm and humid environmental conditions, which favour the survival of the virus in its active form, as well as making skin more prone to attack. Transmission can occur through self-inoculation, meaning direct contact with other people’s warts.
After infection, the virus incubation period lasts from 1 to 8 months, after which characteristic lesions appear. To prevent this from happening, it is important to maintain healthy skin, free of abrasions, cuts and skin macerations that can facilitate the infection and development of warts. Also avoid walking barefoot in humid environments, such as swimming pools and gym changing rooms, where skin maceration, resulting from over-exposure to moisture, makes it easier for warts to take root
Duofilm is a medicine containing salicylic acid and lactic acid. Do not use Duofilm on the face or anogenital regions. Do not use in children under two years of age. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine in children aged 2 to 12 years. Consult your pharmacist. Read the instructions carefully. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.