Can white vinegar be used to treat flat warts?

Patients are not advised to use white vinegar on their own to treat flat warts. Although white vinegar contains organic acids that have certain corrosive and keratolytic effects, it cannot be directly used for treating flat warts. While the acidity of white vinegar may kill some bacteria and viruses, it does not have a specific virucidal effect against human papillomavirus (HPV). Furthermore, the acidity of white vinegar may irritate the skin and potentially worsen the condition. Flat warts are a viral skin disease caused by HPV, and their treatment requires targeting the virus itself. For the treatment of flat warts, it is recommended that patients undergo physical therapies (such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, etc.) or medical treatments (such as topical retinoids, interferon, etc.) under a doctor's guidance. These methods can directly remove the warts or inhibit viral replication, thus achieving therapeutic goals. Meanwhile, patients should maintain skin cleanliness and hygiene during treatment and avoid scratching or rubbing the affected areas to prevent infection and scarring.