Keratolytic Wart Removal
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about keratolytic wart removal:
Keratolytic wart removal is a procedure to remove your wart using acid medicine. The medicine causes the outer layer of the skin to loosen and shed. The medicine may be a liquid, gel, or plaster patch.
What will happen during keratolytic wart removal:
Keep your wart and skin clean and dry between treatments. Follow these steps as directed:
- Soak your wart in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. Dry the area.
- Use a pumice stone or a nail file to remove the rough areas around your wart. This will help thin your skin so the keratolytic medicine will soak in better.
- Put the medicine on your wart and let it dry. If you are using a plaster patch, cut the patch to the size of your wart and stick it on. Make sure not to place any medicine on your surrounding skin.
- Cover your wart or plaster patch with a bandage or duct tape. Make sure the area where you applied the medicine is completely covered. If you are using a plaster patch, change it every 24 to 48 hours.
- Repeat the steps every 1 to 2 days or as directed by your healthcare provider. Continue treatment until your wart is gone.
Risks of keratolytic wart removal:
You may have a burning feeling when the medicine is applied to your skin. The procedure can cause redness, itching, or swelling. Some warts may take months to go away. Your wart may not go away completely, or it may return.
Call your doctor or dermatologist if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- You have pain or swelling that gets worse or does not go away.
- Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have a fever or chills.
- You get wart medicine on your lips or in your mouth.
- Your wart does not go away completely, or it returns.
- Your wart grows larger or begins to spread or cluster.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Prevent another wart:
- Wash your hands before and after you touch your wart.
- Do not scratch or pick at your wart. Do not touch someone else's wart.
- Do not walk barefoot in public places. Wear shower shoes or sandals in warm, damp areas. This includes shower stalls, swimming pool areas, and locker rooms.
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Use foot powder between your toes and on your feet after you wash and dry them. Change socks often to avoid damp feet. If your shoes are damp from sweat, set them in a place where they can dry out before you wear them again.
- Do not share or reuse items. Examples include nail files, pumice stones, socks, or towels. Clean these items with hot soapy water before you use them again.
Follow up with your doctor or dermatologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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