What are the effective treatment methods for flat warts?

Jul 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My son is 20 years old this year. He has started developing papillomas on his neck and underarms. What are the effective treatment options for flat warts?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The main effective treatments for flat warts include the following: 1. **Medication therapy**: Under a doctor's guidance, patients can apply topical medications such as tretinoin cream or imiquimod cream. These medications help soften and remove the keratotic skin lesions on the surface of flat warts. 2. **Physical therapy**: Common physical treatments include laser therapy and cryotherapy. Laser therapy precisely destroys the wart tissue and often shows results after just one session; however, proper postoperative care is necessary to avoid infection. Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen, causing the tissue to die and shed. This method may require multiple treatment sessions. 3. **Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)**: TCM treatments involve washing the affected area with herbal decoctions, such as Portulaca oleracea or nutgrass flatsedge. These herbs possess antiviral properties and help remove warts. 4. **Surgical treatment**: For larger or difficult-to-treat flat warts, doctors may recommend surgical excision. Proper wound care is essential after surgery to prevent scarring. Patients should choose an appropriate treatment method based on their individual condition and the doctor's recommendations.