While most common warts spontaneously resolve without treatment within two years, patients often request treatment options. There are a number of home remedies and medical treatments available, such as cryotherapy or salicylic acid preparations.
One of the most straightforward treatment options is to apply duct tape occlusion therapy. This involves covering the wart with duct tape for six days, then removing it, soaking the wart and using an emery board or pumice stone to remove dead skin cells.
How to Apply Duct Tape
Duct tape is a type of pressure-sensitive adhesive that can be used to stick surfaces together. It is available in a variety of widths, lengths, colors and finishes, including clear and glow-in-the-dark varieties. While duct tape is often referred to as being versatile, it does have its limitations. It is not waterproof and will lose its adhesion if submerged in water. It also will not adhere well to rough or uneven surfaces.
In addition, duct tape will not stick to certain materials, such as Teflon, due to their low surface energy. It is recommended to use a more permanent adhesive or sealant for these types of materials. Duct tape is not designed to be used for high-stress applications, such as sealing or reinforcing a duct, but it can still be used for general purposes, such as patching holes or wrapping objects.
Originally, duct tape was developed during World War II to help ordnance workers keep moisture out of ammunition boxes. It was first manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and was called duck tape because of its water resistance, which emulates the properties of water on a duck’s back. It was later adapted for use in air ducts and is now usually silver-gray in color to match metal ductwork.
Since then, duct tape has been employed in a wide range of tasks. It is used to make electrical connections, barricade windows, and stick items together. It is also used as a temporary repair for damaged items such as broken screens or car windows.
How to Remove Duct Tape
Duct tape is a popular home remedy for warts. It’s not clear how it works, but a few studies suggest that covering a wart with duct tape can speed up the rate at which it goes away. This is probably because the tape prevents warts from touching other areas of skin and, when it falls off, it removes a layer of the wart with it.
Some people may choose to apply a 17% salicylic acid gel in addition to duct tape, to increase the chances of the wart coming off. This may help because a layer of dead skin will also be removed, and that might speed up the process.
For best results, people should use duct tape only on the wart. It should not be applied to other areas, such as the face or arms, because the strong adhesive might irritate or damage that skin. It’s best to wear the duct tape at night, if possible, but it can be worn during the day if necessary.
This method of treating warts does not treat the underlying virus that causes them, so it can take a long time to work. Anyone who is frustrated with their warts should discuss other treatment options with a healthcare professional, such as freezing or laser treatments.
Duct Tape Verruca Treatment
While duct tape may seem counterintuitive, it is one of the most effective treatments for common warts. A 2003 study found that it was up to 80% more effective than cryotherapy in getting rid of verrucae.
It works by occluding the wart. By preventing the wart from coming into contact with healthy skin, it allows it to shrivel and eventually die. In addition, it’s also less painful than other treatment methods.
The process involves covering the wart with duct tape for six days. Then, removing the tape, soaking the area in water and using a pumice stone or emery board to slough off the dead wart. The wart should then be re-covered with a piece of duct tape 12 hours later. This cycle should be repeated for up to two months.
However, it’s important to note that duct tape doesn’t treat the virus that causes the warts. If you have multiple warts, or they are located in sensitive areas like your hands or genitals, it may be best to talk to your doctor about other options.