What You Should Know before You Use Duct Tape
As easy as it may be to apply duct tape, there are certain things you must know about it. You should avoid using duct tape on a wart that is:
- near your genitals
- under your armpits
- close to one of your mucous membranes (inside your nose or mouth)
Plantar warts, [2] which occur on your heels or other parts of your feet, may be more resistant to these treatments because the layers of skin on your feet tend to be more difficult to remove.
For genital warts, it is best that you visit a doctor. It may be related to an underlying cause of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), [3] which causes topical and genital warts. This virus can be transmitted sexually. Certain strains of HPV are associated with a greater risk of cervical cancer.
Since genital warts are transmitted sexually, get tested to see which strain of HPV you have before you try any home treatments for your warts.
Duct tape has some side effects, such as redness of the skin, bleeding, rashes, and pain upon removal. You should not use duct tape if you have sensitive skin.
Warts can be more severe. You should talk to your doctor before trying home remedies if your warts:
- Are painful
- Interfere with your daily activities
- Crack and bleed
These are signs of other types of skin growths.
Side Effects of Using Duct Tape
There are certain side effects associated with duct tape wart removal. They include:
- Redness of skin
- Itching
- Bleeding
- Eczema [4]
- Other skin reactions
If you notice these side effects, it is a sign that the method does not work for you. Therefore, you should stop using the duct tape method straight away. Once the area has healed, they can try using other home remedies or medical treatments instead.
Proper diagnosis from your doctor will help in deciding what options may be best for you.