Using Duct Tape to
Clear Viral Warts
Patient Information
Dermatology Department
Author ID: AF
Leaflet Number: Derm 069
Version: 2
Name of Leaflet: Using Duct Tape to Clear Viral Warts
Date Produced: May 2019
Review Date: May 2021
Treatment of Viral Warts
Viral warts (also known as verruca when they are on the bottom of the feet) are caused by
the human papilloma viruses. Most warts will disappear on their own without leaving a
scar within 2 years. However, if you want to try and get rid of the wart sooner there are
several options which can be tried. These include application of wart paint, cryotherapy
using liquid nitrogen and occlusion with duct tape. However, some warts can be persistent
and fail to respond to any of these treatments.
What is Duct Tape
Duct Tape is a strong waterproof sticky tape used in the building trade. It is not available
on prescription but can be bought easily from most DIY shops and supermarkets..
What does it involve
The Doctor or Nurse will explain to you what a viral wart is and the treatment options
available. If you decide to opt for treatment with duct tape it should be applied as follows:
Cut a piece of Duct Tape as close to the size of the wart as possible and place
this over the wart. Leave in place for 6 days. If it falls off, replace it with a new
piece as soon as possible.
At the end of 6 days, remove the tape and soak the area in warm water and
gently rub the wart with a pumice stone or emery board to remove any dead
white skin.
Leave overnight without any tape then start the 6 day regime with duct tape
again the next day
Repeat this 7 day cycle for 2 months or until the wart goes, whichever comes
first
Benefits
If the treatment works, the wart may disappear more quickly than it would if no treatment is
used.
Alternatives
Leaving the wart to resolve by its self
Daily treatment with wart paint only
Daily treatment with wart paint in conjunction with cryotherapy treatment
Risks
Skin irritation from the glue in the tape
Pain around the wart after rubbing down the hard skin
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Reference
A study done in 2002 concluded that the occlusion of warts with duct tape was
significantly more effective than treatment with cryotherapy (85% of those treated with duct
tape cleared compared to 60% clearance with cryotherapy)
Focht DR, Spicer C, Farchok M P. The efficacy of duct tape versus cryotherapy in the
treatment of verruca vulgaris (the common wart). Arch Pediatr Med 2002; Vol 156, Pg 971-
974.
Contact information
If you have any concerns please contact us at the Dermatology Department
Telephone: 01942 264748 or speak to your GP.
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Comments, Compliments or Complaints
The Patient Relations/Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Department provides
confidential on the spot advice, information and support to patients, relatives, friends and
carers.
Contact Us
Tel: 01942 822376 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm)
The Patient Relations/PALS Manager
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan WN1 2NN
Ask 3 Questions
Become more involved in decisions about your healthcare. You may
be asked to make choices about your treatment. To begin with, try to
make sure you get the answers to three key questions:
1. What are my options?
2. What are the pros and cons of each option for me?
3. How do I get support to help me make a decision that is right
for me?
How We Use Your Personal Information
For details on how we collect, use and store the information we hold about you, please take a
look at our “how we use your personal information” leaflet which can be found on the Trust
website: www.wwl.nhs.uk/patient_information/Leaflets/default.aspx
This leaflet is also available in audio, large print, braille and other languages upon request.
For more information please ask in department/ward.
© Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the copyright owner
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