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Home remedies: Can duct tape really get rid of verrucas and warts?

Duct tape – 'there could be something in it', according to a dermatologist
Duct tape – 'there could be something in it', according to a dermatologist Duct tape – 'there could be something in it', according to a dermatologist

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This week: Verrucas and warts

WARTS are growths caused by the human papilloma virus; verrucas are simply warts that occur on the soles of the feet.

Typical treat ments include freezing them off, or using a cream containing salicylic acid to help break down the growth. But they can be hard to budge.

Another option that has had some success is duct tape – the sticky, waterproof kind that’s used in the building industry. You cut the duct tape to fit the wart, stick it on and leave it

in place for six days. Remove the tape, wash the area and dry. Then file away the dead

skin on the wart or verruca using an emery board or pumice stone. Repeat the process

until the wart disappears.

"A lot of people swear by this, so there could be something in it," says Dr Anthony Bewley, a dermatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust in London.

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