Warts. They’re one of those skin issues that most of us deal with at some point in our lives. Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts can pop up on your hands, feet, or even your face, and while they’re usually harmless, they’re definitely annoying and unsightly. The temptation to take matters into your own hands and remove them yourself is real—but hold on. Self-removal isn’t just risky, it can lead to more complications than you might expect. So, what should you be doing instead of trying to remove warts on your own? Let’s dive in.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Remove Warts on Your Own

It’s easy to assume that with the right tools or an over-the-counter product, you can get rid of warts by yourself. But the reality is, wart removal isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Here’s why DIY wart removal can cause more harm than good:

1. Risk of Infection

When you attempt to remove a wart yourself, whether by cutting, scraping, or using at-home remedies, you open up the skin and create an entry point for bacteria. This significantly increases the risk of infection. The area around the wart can become inflamed, red, and painful. Worse still, you might end up with a serious skin infection that could require antibiotics to treat.

2. Scarring

Let’s face it—most of us aren’t trained to perform surgical-like procedures on our own skin. When you try to dig out a wart, you can end up damaging healthy tissue, leaving behind an unsightly scar. What’s the point of getting rid of a wart if you’re going to replace it with a scar that could last even longer?

3. Spreading the Virus

Warts are caused by HPV, a virus that thrives in warm, moist environments, like the skin. When you try to remove a wart on your own, you risk spreading the virus to other parts of your body—or even to other people. Not only could the wart come back, but you might find yourself with multiple new ones. That’s a headache no one needs.

What You Should Do Instead: Professional Wart Removal

Now that you know why removing warts yourself is a bad idea, let’s talk about what you should be doing instead. The safest and most effective way to get rid of warts is by seeking professional treatment.

1. Consult a Dermatologist or Healthcare Provider

The first step is to see a dermatologist or healthcare provider. Why? Because not all warts are the same. Your doctor can properly diagnose the type of wart you have and recommend the best course of treatment based on its size, location, and type. They can also rule out other skin conditions that may look like warts but require a different approach.

2. Professional Treatments Are More Effective

Medical professionals have access to a variety of treatments that are far more effective than what you’ll find over the counter. Some of these treatments include:

• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold destroys the wart tissue, causing it to fall off after a few treatments.
• Laser Treatment: Lasers can precisely target the wart and destroy the blood vessels that feed it, causing it to die off.
• Prescription-Strength Topical Medications: Your doctor can prescribe stronger topical treatments that contain salicylic acid or other chemicals specifically formulated to remove warts safely.

These treatments are not only more effective but also safer than DIY methods, significantly reducing the risks of infection, scarring, and recurrence.

Why You Should Avoid Over-the-Counter Products

It’s easy to grab an over-the-counter wart remover from your local pharmacy and think it’ll do the job. But here’s why it might not be the best idea.

1. Harsh Chemicals

Most over-the-counter products contain strong chemicals like salicylic acid. While these can sometimes work, they often irritate the surrounding healthy skin, causing redness, discomfort, or even burns. If you’re not careful, you could end up damaging more than just the wart.

2. Inconsistent Results

Over-the-counter wart removers don’t always work, and when they do, the results are inconsistent. Warts are stubborn, and many people find themselves applying these products for weeks or even months without seeing any real improvement. By the time you’ve spent money on multiple products and wasted time waiting for results, you could have had the wart professionally removed.

Preventing Warts: Good Hygiene is Key

Preventing warts from spreading or recurring is just as important as removing them. HPV is contagious, so practicing good hygiene can help keep warts at bay.

1. Wash Your Hands Regularly

One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of warts is by washing your hands frequently, especially if you’ve touched a wart. This reduces the chance of transferring the virus to other parts of your body or to other people.

2. Don’t Pick at Warts

It’s tempting to pick at or scratch a wart, but this can make the situation worse. Picking can cause the virus to spread, resulting in more warts. If you have a wart in an area that’s prone to contact, such as your hands, consider covering it with a bandage to prevent accidental scratching.

Boost Your Immune System

Your body’s immune system plays a crucial role in fighting off the HPV virus. A strong immune system can help prevent warts from forming in the first place or aid in getting rid of them naturally. Here’s how you can support your immune health:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Make sure you’re eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to give your body the nutrients it needs to function optimally.

2. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity boosts your immune system, so get moving! Even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day can improve your body’s ability to fight off infections.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, including HPV. Practice stress-management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to keep stress levels in check.

Conclusion: Trust the Professionals for Wart Removal

While it may be tempting to try and remove warts on your own, the risks far outweigh the benefits. From the potential for infection to the chance of spreading the virus, at-home wart removal methods can lead to more problems than they solve. Instead, consult with a healthcare provider who can offer safe and effective treatments. By following professional advice, practicing good hygiene, and boosting your immune system, you can not only get rid of warts but also keep them from coming back.