Can Athlete’s Foot Cause Blisters?
Itchy foot blisters? Could athlete’s foot be the cause? It just might be! Read on to learn how fungal infections cause blisters, what to look for, and when to see a podiatrist.
All About Acid vs. Freezing Treatments for Warts
When it comes to treating warts, most people have one goal: get rid of them as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, warts don’t always cooperate. These stubborn skin growths are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which means eliminating the visible wart is only one part of the challenge. To fully resolve the problem, you have to tackle the virus itself, too.
Both acid therapy and cryotherapy (freezing) — both of which are available here at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic — can help destroy the virus behind your warts, but which one works better? The answer depends on the type of wart, its location, and your individual needs.
Read on as Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Wilson compare acid treatments versus freezing treatments for warts.
How does acid treatment work?
Acid-based wart treatments typically rely on salicylic acid to slowly peel away the infected skin. The acid softens and removes layers of the wart. As the infected skin sloughs off (usually with the help of a nail file or pumice stone), healthy skin replaces it.
While many salicylic acid products are available at the drugstore, stronger prescription formulations are available for warts that don’t respond to standard treatment.
The strength of the medication that you need can vary depending on the size, thickness, and location of your wart. Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Wilson determine the right strength of salicylic acid (measured in a percentage) for you.
Benefits and drawbacks of acid treatments
You might consider acid treatments because they’re noninvasive, can be effective for many common and plantar warts, and cause minimal discomfort. Acid treatments also have a lower risk of scarring.
On the flipside, acid treatments:
- Requires consistency
- It may take weeks or months to achieve results
Some people stop treatment before the wart is fully eliminated, which can cause recurrence. If you’re using acid for your wart, keep up with your treatment plan and apply as directed, even if your wart starts to look better.
How does freezing work?
Cryotherapy uses extremely cold temperatures, typically using liquid nitrogen, to destroy wart tissue. The freezing process damages the infected cells and helps your body’s immune system to gradually clear away the wart.
At-home cryotherapy wart-freezing pens don’t get as cold as our in-office liquid nitrogen treatments. That means the OTC versions may not be as effective as what you’d find in our office.
Benefits and drawbacks of in-office cryotherapy
Like any treatment, wart freezing has both advantages and limitations.
You might consider freezing treatments for a plantar wart because:
- They’re often more effective than at-home freezing products
- It’s a quick treatment performed right in our office
- They can be a good option for stubborn or recurrent warts
- No incisions or stitches are required
On the flip side, you may experience temporary discomfort, burning, stinging, or blistering after treatment. You may also need multiple treatment sessions to address stubborn warts.
Is one treatment better than the other?
Not necessarily. Some warts respond well to acid treatments, while others may improve more quickly with cryotherapy. In many cases, our team of providers at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic uses a combination of treatment approaches to maximize success.
Before we recommend an approach for you, we take a look at:
- The type of wart you have
- Its size and location
- How long has it been present
- Previous treatment attempts
- Your overall health and whether you have any underlying health conditions
It’s also important to note that cryotherapy isn’t appropriate for everyone. If you have diabetes, particularly if you have poor circulation or peripheral artery disease (PAD), freezing treatments may increase the risk of delayed healing and other complications. In these cases, we discuss alternative treatment options that may be safer for your feet.
Get comprehensive plantar wart treatment
Many people spend weeks or even months trying over-the-counter wart products before seeking professional care.
While over-the-counter treatments can be effective, some warts are simply more stubborn than others. Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Wilson can evaluate the wart, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend the most appropriate treatment strategy.
In some cases, what appears to be a wart may actually be another skin condition entirely. If that’s the case, we can recommend the right treatment path for you.
Which wart treatment is right for you?
There isn’t a single “best” wart treatment for every person. The most effective approach depends on your situation.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn wart, call us at 219-214-2047. Or, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment in Michigan City, Chesterton, Indiana, or Lombard, Illinois.
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