Health Tip: Before a Wart is Removed

(HealthDay News) - Before your doctor removes a wart, often by a freezing process called cryosurgery, there are things you can do to prepare for the procedure.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions:

• For two weeks, thoroughly clean the wart with soap and water each night. Once it is dry, apply a salicylic acid gel to the wart.
• Once the gel has been applied, cover the wart with a salicylic acid pad. Be sure the pad is large enough to cover the wart completely.
• Keep the pad on the wart for 24 hours. Repeat this process once daily until the removal procedure.
• If the wart becomes red and sore, discontinue using the gel and see your doctor.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Nov. 20, 2007

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