Medication for a Flat Wart on the Face

Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), of which there are hundreds of strains. The HPV2 virus is responsible for genital warts, whereas HPV1 causes many other forms. Warts range in appearance from large and bumpy to small and smooth. Flat warts are usually smaller than other warts. They are also smooth and flat. They most often occur on the legs and face, and are more prevalent among children than they are adults.

Cleansing

• The skin of the face is very sensitive, and if a flat wart develops on the face, it is important to use gentle treatments. Keep the affected area clean using a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a paper towel. Warts can be transmitted to other body parts and other people from used towels and washcloths. Keep the flat wart covered to avoid touching it and transmitting the virus.

Wart Removal

• Flat warts can be used using salicylic acid solutions. Over-the-counter tabs (small circular patches containing salicylic acid) will cover the wart area and usually come with a soft adhesive pad to put over the tab to keep it in place and help the medication absorb completely. In addition, the pad will keep the acid from touching other areas of sensitive skin. When applying the medicated tab, keep it off of any skin not affected by the flat wart, as salicylic acid is strong and can get rid of layers of healthy skin near the wart.

Apply Consistently

• Flat warts can be very difficult to eliminate. Remove the pad and medicated tab and reapply daily after washing the face. Leave the wart slightly moist before applying the medicated tabs. It is easier for the medication to penetrate the wart when it is moist and softened. Reapply every 24 hours for up to 14 days or until the wart is gone.

See a Doctor

• If the wart does not go away using an at-home treatment, consult with a doctor about other options. Extremely tenacious warts may require a surgical solution such as laser surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), or cantharidin (wart medication applied in a doctor's office). Surgery that involves cutting is also effective in wart removal, but may leave a scar. This procedure is usually not recommended for facial warts.