Warts Flashcards
What are warts caused by?
Human papilloma virus
What are the 2 main classes of warts?
- Common wart
- Plantar wart (verucca)
What are 6 symptoms of warts?
- Small, raised bump on the skin
- Average size of 1 to 10mm
- Surface may be rough or smooth
- May occur in clusters
- Face, feet, knees, and hands are most affected
- Plantar warts can have tiny black dots on them
Do warts require a counselling room?
Yes
What are 8 red flags for referral with warts?
- Genital warts
- Multiple and Widespread warts
- Diabetic patients
- Lesions on face
- Patients > 50 years with first-time symptoms.
- Warts that itch or bleed without provocation.
- Warts that have grown or changed colour.
- OTC treatment failure
Do warts have a PSA self-care card?
No
What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for warts?
Wart-Off Stick (salicylic acid 40%)
What are the directions for Wart-Off Stick (salicylic acid 40%) in warts?
- Wash affected area.
- Soak wart in warm water for 5 minutes to soften.
- Dry area thoroughly.
- Cover the top of the wart only with a thin layer of Wart-Off Stick. Avoid contact with surrounding skin to avoid damage to normal skin. Surrounding skin can be protected with nail polish if necessary.
- Cover the wart with a waterproof plaster, so it does not breathe. Do not leave the wart uncovered.
- Repeat once daily until the wart has cleared. Change the plaster every couple of days or as desired. Should the condition persist consult a doctor.
What are 3 non-preferred over-the-counter options for warts and why?
- Duofilm Liquid (Salicylic Acid 16.7% w/w and Lactic Acid 15% w/w): harder to apply
- Wart-off paint (Podophyllotoxin and podophyllum resin): contraindicated in pregnancy
- Dimethyl ether + Propane (Wartner) Wart Removal Cryotherapy: painful, rather refer for this
Is Wart-Off Stick (salicylic acid 40%) safe in pregnancy?
Yes (in small areas)
Is Wart-Off Stick (salicylic acid 40%) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes (in small areas)
What is the age range for Wart-Off Stick (salicylic acid 40%)?
Safe in children over 2 years
What patient group is Wart-Off Stick (salicylic acid 40%) unsafe in?
Diabetics
What are 4 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for warts?
- Apply treatments with applicator (not finger).
- Dispose pumice stone or emery board after the wart has cleared to prevent re-infection
- Use a separate towel or cloth for the wart
- Warts mainly spread through direct contact
Can warts resolve without treatment?
Yes. 30% self-resolve within 6 months, and most within 3 years (in immunocompetent patients)
