Last updated
Last updated
Warts are small, often unsightly growths on the skin that are caused by a viral infection, most commonly by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While warts are usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable, spread to other areas, or grow larger over time, making them more noticeable and sometimes painful. If you’ve developed a wart and want to stop it from getting bigger, there are several strategies you can use for and manage it effectively.
Before diving into how to stop a wart from growing bigger, it’s important to understand what causes warts to appear in the first place. Warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that enters the skin through small cuts or breaks in the skin. Once the virus infects the skin cells, it causes them to multiply rapidly, forming a raised, rough growth on the surface of the skin.
There are different types of warts, including common warts, plantar warts (on the feet), genital warts, and flat warts, each of which may behave slightly differently. However, all warts share the common feature of being caused by HPV infection, which can lead to the growth of skin cells in a way that forms a visible wart. The size of a wart can vary, and in some cases, warts can grow larger if left untreated or if the immune system is unable to fight off the virus.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what causes warts to grow, let’s explore ways to prevent them from getting larger and manage the growth of existing warts.
One of the most common ways to prevent a wart from growing bigger is by using over-the-counter (OTC) wart treatments. These treatments typically contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid or cryotherapy solutions designed to remove the wart tissue gradually and stop the wart from spreading.
Salicylic acid: This is one of the most widely used and effective treatments for warts. It works by softening the hardened skin cells of the wart, which helps to break it down and prevent it from growing larger. Salicylic acid is available in various forms, such as gels, pads, or liquids, and is applied directly to the wart.
How to use: Apply the treatment after soaking the wart in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently file the wart using a pumice stone or emery board to remove dead skin before applying the solution. This process should be repeated daily for several weeks to see results.
Cryotherapy: Some OTC wart treatments contain a freezing agent similar to those used by doctors. Cryotherapy freezes the wart tissue, causing it to eventually fall off. While this method can be effective in stopping the wart from growing, it can also cause some discomfort or irritation.
When using OTC treatments, consistency is key. Follow the instructions carefully and be patient, as it can take several weeks to see noticeable results.
Duct tape is an inexpensive, simple, and surprisingly effective home remedy for wart removal. The idea behind this method is that the adhesive in duct tape helps to irritate the skin, which encourages the immune system to target the wart. Covering the wart with duct tape may also prevent the wart from spreading or growing larger by protecting it from further irritation or infection.
How to use: Cut a small piece of duct tape to cover the wart and leave it on for about six days. After six days, remove the tape, soak the wart in warm water, and gently rub it with a pumice stone or emery board. Repeat this process for several weeks until the wart shrinks and eventually falls off.
While this method may seem unconventional, studies have shown that it can be quite effective for small to medium-sized warts.
One of the best ways to prevent a wart from growing bigger is to avoid picking, scratching, or cutting it. When you pick at a wart, you risk spreading the virus to other areas of the skin, which can cause new warts to form. Additionally, picking at the wart can introduce bacteria into the area, leading to infection and potentially making the wart worse.
Tip: If you find it difficult to stop picking at a wart, consider covering it with a bandage or using duct tape as mentioned above to prevent accidental scratching. Keeping the wart protected from friction and irritation can help it heal more effectively and prevent it from growing larger.
In some cases, using a topical antiviral treatment may help to stop a wart from growing bigger by targeting the HPV virus responsible for the wart. While antiviral medications are not typically prescribed for warts, some treatments available in the form of gels or ointments can help to reduce the virus’s activity and promote healing.
Imiquimod (Aldara): This prescription medication helps to stimulate the immune system to fight off the HPV infection and reduce the size of warts. It is typically used for genital warts but may also be effective for other types of warts.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any antiviral medication, as the effectiveness can vary depending on the location and type of wart.
If the wart continues to grow despite home treatments, or if it’s causing significant discomfort, it may be time to see a healthcare professional for further evaluation. A dermatologist or doctor can recommend stronger treatments that are more effective in stopping the wart from growing bigger. Some of these treatments include:
Cryotherapy: As mentioned, cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This treatment can be very effective in stopping the wart from growing, and may only require a single session.
Laser treatment: In cases where cryotherapy is ineffective, laser treatment may be used to target and destroy the wart tissue. The laser works by vaporizing the wart or cauterizing the blood vessels that supply it, preventing further growth.
Electrosurgery: This method uses a high-frequency electrical current to remove the wart tissue by burning it off. Like laser treatment, electrosurgery is highly effective for stubborn warts and can prevent them from growing larger.
Surgical removal: If other methods fail, your healthcare provider may recommend minor surgery to excise the wart. Surgical removal is typically reserved for large or deeply embedded warts.
Professional treatments can be highly effective in stopping warts from growing bigger, but they are often more invasive and may require a recovery period.
Once a wart is removed or treated, it’s important to take steps to prevent new warts from forming. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of developing new warts:
Practice good hygiene: Warts spread through direct skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Wash your hands regularly, avoid sharing personal items, and keep your skin clean and dry to prevent the spread of the virus.
Boost your immune system: A strong immune system can help prevent HPV infections from taking hold. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough rest to keep your immune system functioning properly.
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas: Plantar warts are commonly contracted from walking barefoot in damp places like public showers or swimming pools. Protect your feet by wearing flip-flops or sandals in these environments.
Protect broken skin: If you have any cuts, scrapes, or abrasions on your skin, cover them with a bandage to prevent HPV from entering through these breaks.
Warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), and while they may not pose a serious health risk, they can be bothersome and unsightly. If you have a wart and want to stop it from growing bigger, there are several treatment options available, including over-the-counter products, home remedies like duct tape, and professional treatments from a healthcare provider.
By following these strategies and being proactive in treating and preventing warts, you can minimize the risk of the wart growing larger and spreading to other areas of the body. If you’re concerned about a wart or it continues to grow despite treatment, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and recommendations.
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