Planter Wart- The Dermatologist

The dermatologist has several options in treating a planter wart;

1. Cryotherapy- Freezing the wart, causing a blister to form under the wart. You get a local anesthetic to alleviate the pain. This method only removes the top portion of the planter wart, and usually is repeated every two to four weeks, until it is gone. Alternately, salicylic acid (45%) maybe be applied to dissolve it faster.

2. Cryosurgery- The wart is frozen causing a blister to form. Allowing the removal of the planter wart with a scalpel. This can be effective if the entire wart is cut out.

3. Electrodessication- An electric needle is used to zap the wart. The dead tissue is then cut away. Very effective treatment.

4. Laser Surgery- Stubborn warts can be eradicated with a laser. Effective but it takes weeks to heal and can be costly... depending on your insurance.

5. Immunotherapy- One method is to get a shot of antigens. Which is like a flu shot, which boosts your own immune system. You system fights off the HPV causing the problem wart. Also there are some anti viral creams which... use your bodies natural defense system to fight off the virus. Remember, even if you cut out the wart... you still have the virus!

I've had a planter wart removed with Cryosurgery, after Cryotherapy failed. It was a very effective treatment. I haven't tried the other three methods, above to remove a planter wart.

More to Come...