From: anonymous@seorf.ohiou.edu
Subject: Warts
Posted-By: xx103 (Dermatology Moderator)
Organization: Organization For Community Networks
Date: Sun, 6 Aug 1995 11:11:09 GMT
Newsgroups: ofcn.clinic.dermatology

Help!! I have warts on my hands. I've been to the doctor many many many times. They go away temporarily, but then they grow back bigger than they were to begin with. The procedure used in the past was to freeze them with liquid nitrogen. The doctor said that it was the "best" way- little pain and fast recovery. That is true, but it doesn't seem to work. I'm going back to the doctor in about a month and would like another treatment to ask about. please help me!!!

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Answer: Please see previous postings on warts but the following should help. Warts are a problem because they are:
1. Contagious
2. Often recurrent
3. Known to resolve on their own, so it is not always clear how to best treat them when considering risk/benefit ratios (e.g. is it worthwhile to physically cut them out vs. freezing when recurrence rates are about the same in both).

Most dermatologists have a variety of tricks up their sleeve for warts. Consider talking to your dermatologist about cimetidine, contact immunotherapy, bleomycin intralesionally, flashlamp pulsed-dye laser or any other favorite alternative treatments (other than liquid nitrogen when it has failed) they might have.

Hope this helps. Good luck. Eliot

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Dermatology Online: Served by Eliot N. Mostow, MD, MPH

NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.

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