Management of Viral Warts

For warts and verrucae, the following guidance has been provided:

Referral for treatment of warts may only be considered, if any of the following criteria are met:

• The person has a facial wart
• The person is immunocompromised
• The person has persistent warts (≥12 months) which are unresponsive to both topical salicylic acid and cryotherapy (if indicated and available) AND the wart is painful or causing functional impairment
• The person has areas of skin that are extensively affected, for example mosaic warts of the hands and feet AND the warts are painful or causing functional impairment

Referral should be made to dermatology, for assessment if there is diagnostic uncertainty.

Where the above criteria are not met, then patients should be advised to manage their warts with over-the-counter products. Treatment should be continued for at least a year before considering referral.

View the Kent and Medway ICB Referral and Treatment Criteria

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