Wart Removal and Cryotherapy in Point Cook
Wart removal in Point Cook is often done with cryotherapy, where the GP freezes the wart so the infected skin cells die and come away. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Many clear up on their own, but stubborn, painful or spreading warts are worth having looked at.
About warts
Warts are small, rough lumps of skin. The virus passes through skin contact or from surfaces at places such as swimming pools and gyms, and a wart can take up to a year to appear. Healthdirect notes that ordinary skin warts do not cause cancer. Common types include:
- common warts, usually on the hands, elbows and knees
- plantar warts on the sole, heel or toes, which can hurt when walking and often show tiny black dots
- flat warts on the hands and face, most common in children
- warts under or around the nails
Will it go away by itself?
In children, about half of all warts disappear within 6 months, and 9 in 10 go within 2 years. Warts in adults can take longer. Waiting is reasonable for a single wart that is not bothering you, but it is not recommended if you have many warts or have had them for more than two years.
When to see a GP
- the wart is painful or getting in the way
- it is on your face, feet or genitals
- it looks infected: red, swollen and warm
- you have many warts, or they are spreading
- you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
Genital warts need a doctor’s assessment rather than home treatment, and a sexual health check can be arranged at the same visit. If you are not sure a spot is a wart, have it checked first: some skin cancers can look like a scaly lump, and the skin lesion removal page explains how suspicious spots are handled.
Wart removal in Point Cook with cryotherapy
Cryotherapy applies a very cold liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, to the wart. It has to be done by a health professional. More than one session is often needed: Better Health Channel notes it can take up to four months of regular treatment to clear a wart. The GP will explain what to expect over the following days and when to come back. Cryotherapy is a procedure, so it attracts a fee, and reception can confirm the cost.
Other treatment options
- wart paint containing salicylic or lactic acid, applied daily for several weeks; never use it on the face
- stronger paints on prescription from your GP
- removal by burning, surgery or laser under local anaesthetic, used less often because of scarring
- immunotherapy, which helps the immune system clear the wart
Some treatments are not suitable in pregnancy, so check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
Stopping warts spreading
Broken skin, hands that are often wet, and contact with other people’s warts all raise the chance of infection. Scratching or shaving over your own warts can spread them to new areas. The HPV vaccine is free for anyone aged 12 to 25, though it does not treat warts you already have.
Common questions
Can children have cryotherapy?
The GP will assess your child first. Because most childhood warts clear by themselves, waiting is often a reasonable first option.
Is the visit bulk billed?
Standard consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card, and procedures attract fees. Patient Info and Fees has the billing policy.
Why did my wart come back?
The virus can live on the skin for years, so warts sometimes return. Healthdirect advises keeping going with treatment until the wart has completely gone.
How do I book?
Call (03) 7300 7780 or book online.
Good to know
Before your appointment
If you are a new patient, please arrive at least five minutes before your consultation and bring:
- Photo ID
- A valid Medicare card
Fees and billing
We offer bulk billing to all patients with a valid Medicare card for standard consultations. All procedures are subject to fees.