They can be very ugly. They can cause pain if they’re in a tough spot. They can last forever.

Because of this, I’ve seen families try just about anything and everything to treat them.

But what actually works?

Many warts will go away on their own over time. Studies have shown about 80% of warts are gone after four years … but sometimes we can’t wait that long, especially when it’s your child in pain.

Here’s a look at some of the alternative and conventional treatment options for treating warts, along with my thoughts on if they are worth your time:

1. Apple cider vinegar – There are limited studies that show mixed results for using apple cider vinegar. It can be very irritating to the skin for some children. It’s OK to try but I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
2. Salicylic acid – Yes, this is a cream typically used for acne, but salicylic acid has been shown in some studies to effectively treat warts. The skin irritation associated is common and expected, but it has a better chance of working than apple cider vinegar…so it might be worth it.
3. Tea tree oil – While tea tree oil has been studied (and actually works for a few pediatric skin issues), warts are not one of them.
4. Crushing aspirin or Vitamin C and applying – No on these as well. No evidence that they are effective and it sounds like a lot of work.
5. Aloe vera – While unlikely to cause any problems, aloe vera is not effective treatment.
6. Duct tape – One small study showed that covering a wart with duct tape led to resolution of the wart. Later studies were done which showed it didn’t work, but the researchers used clear tape instead of silver duct tape. So, right now we’re in a sticky situation (sorry) where we don’t know if it works or not. I would use the silver if I wanted to try it. It has been suggested to combine it with the salicylic acid treatment.
7. Freezing – The most standard treatment is freezing. Freezing works well, but might require retreatment after a few weeks if it doesn’t completely go away. Freezing can be difficult for warts on the feet or hands because the underlying nerves can be damaged.
8. Surgical removal – If all else fails, a physician can provide local anesthesia and remove the warts.

So there are lots of alternatives to try, but a conversation with your pediatrician is a great place to start. From there, you may be referred to our Dermatology team or to Pediatric Surgery. 

But for the most part, the best weapon against warts is patience.

Related To This Topic:

• Plantar Warts
• Molluscum Contagiosum: The Most Common Rash You Never Knew About
• 7 Skin Conditions Young Athletes Need To Know About
• 5 Common Medical Conditions That No One Shares On Instagram

A recent Texas mom’s Facebook post went viral after she shared her mother-in-law’s remedy for sunburns using shaving cream.

Amanda MacMillan, a noted health reporter, talked to a dermatologist from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to get his thoughts on if shaving cream was a legitimate remedy. The doctor noted that ingredients in shaving cream, including menthol, glycerin, water, palm oil, coconut oil and aloe vera can be helpful in sunburns. So it’s not surprising that shaving cream can be a cooling and moisturizing topical to treat this condition.

What is important to remember is that sunburns not only cause temporary pain and discomfort, but also increased skin cancers and aging of the skin. Therefore, sunburns are best avoided by sun protective measures, such as clothing, hats, umbrellas, shade, sunscreens/sunblocks, and even herbal products.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind during this scorching hot summer.

How do you treat your child’s sunburn effectively and safely?

A sunburn is induced by UV radiation from the sun to the skin’s surface. It has been found to affect deeper layers of the skin than even heat-induced burns. Just as in any other type of burn, sunburn should be treated as soon as it is noticed to result in less damage and quicker healing.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology once indoors it’s first important to cool the skin’s surface with cool baths, showers, or compresses. While the skin is still moist a bland emollient should be used, such as aloe vera.

Other less commonly used products that have been shown to help include yogurt, baking soda in the bath tub, and apple cider vinegar.

Hydrocortisone cream can help with itching and inflammation. Ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation.

What should I not use?

Petroleum or Vaseline containing products should be avoided because they trap the heat in the skin.

Benzocaine and other numbing agents can result in irritant or allergic reactions, so they should be avoided.

Sunburn can sometimes result in blistering. These blisters should not be opened as this can be a source of infection and more water loss through the skin.

When is it so severe you should see a doctor?

When a blistering sunburn involves a large surface area of the body, such as an entire back, or when the patient develops chills, headache or a fever, he or she should seek medical attention.

Does it matter as far as the age of your child?

Smaller children have more surface area to body mass so are more affected by severe sunburns and should be followed closely.

Also, remember drinking extra water is important, as water can be lost through the skin from dilated blood vessels causing the redness of the skin. It also helps with hydration during one of the worst summers we’ve seen in at least a couple of years.

References:

How to treat sunburn (American Academy of Dermatology Association)

Can Shaving Cream Treat a Sunburn? A Dermatologist Weighs In on This Home Remedy Gone Viral

Skin cancer is a serious problem in the United States. Did you know this information from the Skin Cancer Foundation?

• One in five American will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
• About 5.5 million Americans nonmelanoma skin cancer each year.
• Melanoma accounts for up 3 percent of all pediatric cancers.

Children who are overexposed and under protected are at greater risk for developing skin cancer as they age.

“The majority of skin cancer is preventable,” said Jenica Rose-Stine, D.O., a pediatrician at Cook Children’s Willow Park office. “Protecting your child from the sun at an early age is key.”

A new study in JAMA Dermatology found that 40 percent of the most popular sunscreens sold on Amazon didn’t provide proper protection. The American Academy of Dermatology looks for these three requirements:

• A sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor of at least 30.
• Protect skin against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Resistant to water, including sweat.

Dr. Rose-Stine recommends:

• Using sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum,” which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, preferably 50, and apply enough of the sunscreen to cover all exposed areas including the ears, back of the neck, hands, feet, lips and top of the head for children with fine hair. Reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or participating in activities that produce sweat.
• Liquid sunscreens that are “physical blockers.” They physically deflect or block the sun’s rays. Look for the words “zinc oxide” or “titanium dioxide” listed first in the ingredients (Blue Lizzard is a good brand.)
• Purchasing sunglasses for children that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, as sun exposure can increase the risk of intraocular melanoma developing in the eyes – particularly those that are light-colored.
• Avoiding the sun during its peak summer hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Have your child wear a swim shirt to minimize sun exposure to chest, shoulders, and back.

Recent studies suggested that many children are now deficient in vitamin D, a vitamin necessary for healthy bone growth and development. Children only need 15 minutes of sun exposure a day to absorb their daily dose of vitamin D.

“Children should get vitamin D from a diet rich in eggs and fortified foods, such as milk, cereal, orange juice and yogurt,” Dr. Rose-Stine said. “Sun exposure triggers the skin to produce vitamin D, but parents shouldn’t rely solely on sun exposure because of the associated risks.”

Click to read the JAMA study.

About the author

Jenica Rose-Stine, DO is a pediatrician at Cook Children's Willow Park pediatrics - 136 El Chico Trail, Ste. 102 Willow Park, Texas 76087. Dr. Rose Stine is enthusiastic about several areas of pediatrics including development, safety and prevention, and nutrition and she thoroughly enjoys her interactions with first-time parents and their newborns.

To conncet with Cook Children's Willow Park pediatrics, please follow them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/ccwillowpark