How to Treat Facial Warts
Facial warts, also known as flat warts, are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Flat warts are more common in children and are different than other warts because they are smaller, smoother and usually appear in clusters. In women, flat warts can appear on the legs. Although flat warts can be stubborn and sometimes difficult to remove, they can be treated with over-the-counter remedies or prescription medication from your dermatologist.
Instructions
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Try a home remedy. Home remedies may not always be effective but they are less expensive than over-the-counter or prescription medication. Apply a thin layer of apple cider vinegar to your flat warts daily and do not rinse off. If you see no results in two weeks, discontinue use and try another option.
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Treat the flat warts with over-the-counter salicylic acid treatment. Salicylic acid is present as an ingredient in creams and face washes available at your local drugstore and grocery store. Was your face with a salicylic acid face wash twice a day. If you have no results after one month, apply a salicylic acid cream once per day in addition to the salicylic acid face wash.
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Consult a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can prescribe medicated peels with active ingredients like tretinoin and glycolic acid to remove the facial warts.
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Get laser surgery. Your dermatologist can remove larger, more stubborn warts that do not respond to peels with laser surgery. Laser surgery is expensive and takes several weeks to heal completely but it will usually remove warts that do not respond to other treatments.
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Wait it out. If you do not have the funds for laser surgery or do not want to go to the dermatologist, flat warts usually clear up on their own within two years.
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Tips & Warnings
Flat warts are transmitted through skin contact.
Keep salicylic acid away from the eye area.
