How to Get Rid of Skin Growths on the Fingers

Skin growths found on hands or fingers are usually common warts caused by the human papilloma virus. Warts appear singly or in clusters of small, rough bumps that are sometimes lighter or darker than the surrounding skin tone. Normally harmless, most common warts disappear without treatment after about two years. However, some people opt to have their warts removed if they are painful, problematic, spreading or considered unsightly.

Instructions

• 1

  Buy an over-the-counter topical solution or patch containing 17 percent salicylic acid. Apply to the wart every day for several weeks, or as directed by the manufacturer. The acid causes the affected skin to peel away, so it is common to experience some localized skin irritation with this treatment. Brands include Compound W and Occlusal-HP.

• 2

  Use a prescription-strength topical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger salicylic acid solution (up to 70 percent), or a resin called podophyllin, for persistent warts. Alternatively, your doctor may paint the affected area with cantharidin, a substance derived from the blister beetle. The area is bandaged to allow a blister to form that lifts the wart away from the skin so it can later be removed by your doctor.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about cryotherapy (also known as liquid nitrogen therapy). This treatment involves freezing the wart to destroy the affected skin without damaging surrounding tissue, resulting in little or no scarring. Cryotherapy is considered very safe, with only slight discomfort experienced during treatment. The technique successfully removes 70 percent of warts after three to four months of regular freezing, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.