Flat warts are smooth, small warts that rarely grow larger than 4 mm in diameter. They most commonly develop on the extremities and face of children and on the legs of women and beard area of men who shave. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that flat warts may occur in clusters of up to 100. Cryosurgery is a common and effective method of freezing and removing flat warts, but this procedure should only be performed by a qualified dermatologist or other health-care professional.
Step 1
Inspect your entire body for flat warts. These warts may be very small and go unnoticed. Tell your doctor about all your warts in order for treatment to be successful. Use a handheld mirror or ask a friend or family member to examine your back or any other body areas you cannot see.
Step 2
Prepare your flat warts for freezing by cleaning them with soap and water and applying a 17 percent salicylic acid product every night for two weeks. Cover the treated wart with a pad containing 40 percent salicylic acid and leave it on for a full 24 hours. The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that the pad can be left off for part of the day if it falls off during activity.
Step 3
Visit a dermatologist for treatment with cryotherapy. Cryotherapy involves the application of a freezing solution, usually liquid nitrogen, directly to the warts. This freezes and kills the warts. The warts then thaw, die and eventually fall off the skin.
Step 4
Tell your doctor about every bump on your body, even if you are not certain whether the bump is a flat wart. Because flat warts are highly contagious, leaving just one on your skin can lead to numerous clusters in a short time.
Step 5
Follow your doctor's aftercare instructions to prevent infection and ensure your treatment is successful. In most cases, you can resume normal activities right away.
Step 6
Return to your doctor if your warts do not go away, or if he has instructed you to return for follow-up treatment. Larger warts may require up to three cryosurgery sessions, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Tips and Warnings
- Flat warts, like other warts, are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV.
Things You'll Need
- Handheld mirror
- 17 percent salicylic acid gel
- 40 percent salicylic acid pads
