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Cures for Face Warts

Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), and are very contagious. They can be transmitted through any physical or sexual contact, and occur anywhere on the body. Face warts are usually of the flat wart variety, and may appear anywhere on the face or neck, including the lips.

  1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Wart Removers

    • Lip or facial warts can be treated by applying a warm, moist washcloth to soften the area for a few minutes, and then applying an over-the-counter wart remover that contains a salicylic acid tab or liquid. OTC wart removers that contain trichloacetic or bichloracetic acid are often effective for face warts too. Apply the solution to the wart, and then cover with a band aid or other soft covering. Be careful to avoid surrounding skin. Apply daily for up to 14 days (preferably before bed), and leave each application on for 12 to 24 hours. Be consistent with applications in order to completely eliminate the wart virus.

    Prescription Topical Medication

    • Podofilox can be effectively used to treat warts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This medication should be applied to a face wart twice a day for three days, and then repeated after a four-day rest period. Imiquimod is another prescription medication that is applied three times weekly for up to three months. It should only be used for 10 hours at a time to avoid skin irritation. Apply either of these drugs to clean dry skin before bedtime for best results.

    Professional Wart Removal

    • Cantharidin can be applied in a doctor's office for more tenacious warts, however, it does cause some blistering. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) can be used to freeze warts, and should be performed in a doctor's office, especially for facial warts. It is imperative to avoid surrounding skin in order to reduce the chance for scarring of the face. Other options for face wart removal include laser surgery or surgical removal. These methods may require local or general anesthesia, however, and may cause some scarring.

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