How Dermatologists Treat Warts

Depending on the type, the number and the location of the warts, dermatologists may use one of a several treatments, including:

• Cryotherapy – The dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen or sprays nitrous oxide, which freezes the wart. This causes a blister to form under the wart that eventually falls off. Although some home treatments contain liquid nitrogen, the dermatologist uses a form that is stronger and more effective.
• Bi- or trichloroacetic acid – If there are quite a few warts, the dermatologist may paint them with an acid that peels off the layers of skin so the warts eventually fall off.
• Cantharidin – Cantharidin comes from a substance made from blister beetles mixed with other chemicals. It is painted onto the wart and causes the wart to blister and fall off. The “beetle juice” doesn’t hurt when painted on the wart, but the blistering is sometimes uncomfortable.

For stubborn warts, the dermatologist might use one of the following treatments:

• Laser surgery – Different types of lasers burn off stubborn warts. The treatment may leave a scar.
• Electrosurgery – Like laser surgery, this essentially burns off the wart, and may leave a scar.
• Minor surgery – The dermatologist may surgically cut out the wart. Sometimes the surgery can leave a scar.
• Bleomycin – This is a type of chemotherapy injected into the wart. While the shots might be painful, they kill the blood vessels that feed the wart.
• Retinoids – Derived from vitamin A, retinoids interfere with the growth of the wart. This newer treatment option is available in creams to smooth on the wart.
• Immunotherapy – The doctor might use one of several types of immunotherapy (such as imiquimod) to stimulate the immune system to fight off warts.

The dermatologist might use any of these methods to treat molluscum bumps, too.

Next: Adults and Aging Skin