Using duct tape to remove warts

Focht DR, et al. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002;156:971-974. [Medline]

Applying duct tape to common warts is an inexpensive alternative to treatment with cryotherapy, according to results of a randomized controlled trial of 51 children.

Application of duct tape was more effective than cryotherapy in treating the common wart, according to a randomized controlled trial of 51 children.

Many pediatricians use cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen to treat verruca vulgaris, which occurs in 5% to 10% of all pediatric patients. The procedure, however, has many drawbacks, including the fear and discomfort children experience; complications such as blisters, infections and dyspigmentation of the skin; and the need for frequent clinic visits for successful treatment.

Anecdotal reports have touted the success of tape occlusion therapy for the treatment of common warts, but no randomized, prospective studies have been done comparing tape with other therapies.

In this study, patients 3 to 22 years of age with common warts were randomized to treatment with either cryotherapy or duct tape.

The cryotherapy group received a standard application of liquid nitrogen to the wart for 10 seconds every two to three weeks for up to six treatments. Patients were told to gently debride the wart with an emery board or pumice stone the day prior to returning for further treatment.

Those in the duct tape group had a piece of tape the size of the wart applied to the affected area by nursing personnel. They were told to remove the tape after six days, soak the area in water and gently debride the wart with an emery board or pumice stone. The tape was left off overnight and reapplied the following morning. If the tape fell off, patients were instructed to reapply a new piece. Treatment lasted up to two months.

Results showed that 85% of patients in the duct tape group had complete resolution of their warts compared to 60% in the cryotherapy group. In addition, minor adverse effects were more common in the cryotherapy group. Researchers also noted that warts that ultimately responded to tape therapy showed at least partial resolution after two to three weeks of treatment.

The authors concluded that warts can be treated at home with inexpensive duct tape.