How to Treat Flat Warts

Flat warts are caused by one of the many human papillomaviruses. They are common in children and are usually found on the hands, elbows, knees or face. They can be flat or raised slightly and often grow in large numbers. Flat warts don't cause cancer, but they can be contagious. Follow these steps to treat flat warts.

Instructions

• 1

  Prevent the spread of flat warts by not picking them. Picking can spread warts to other areas of the body.

• 2

  Use an over-the-counter medicine to treat flat warts. These compounds usually contain a chemical that dries up the outer portion of skin so that it peels off.

• 3

  Visit your doctor. He can freeze or burn the warts off or prescribe medication to treat them.

• 4

  Try some alternative treatments. Tape a small piece of the inside of a banana peel to the wart and sleep with it nightly for two weeks. Make a paste from Vitamin C powder and apply it to the wart for two weeks. Place some crushed or sliced garlic on the wart for a week while sleeping.

• 5

  Wait for flat warts to go away if all else fails. Most flat warts, if you leave them alone, will disappear within two years.