Wart and mole removers do not work; don’t fall for such products

Hyderabad: An advertisement for a miraculous skin care product that can treat warts and other lesions is doing the rounds on social media. It claims the product can treat moles, warts, and other skin issues in a few days.

The product is identified as “Wart Remover.”

Can any gel or face mask treat warts and moles? Let’s find out?

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

Claim 1: Warts

Healthline defines warts as raised bumps on your skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although warts generally aren’t dangerous, they can be uncomfortable, potentially embarrassing, and contagious. They can also be painful. However, warts can be treated, either at home or by a medical professional.

Although warts can be treated with certain home remedies or with time (if it is a mild infection), you should never try to remove warts on your face or another sensitive part of your body such as the genitals, mouth, or nostril with at-home treatments, warns Healthline.

Moreover, Healthline advises, “If your wart doesn’t respond well to at-home treatments, your doctor may be able to help. Remember, always see a doctor if you have diabetes and have warts on your feet.”

Check here and here for tips on how to manage warts.

Claim 2: Moles

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Currently, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for treating moles, seborrheic keratoses, or skin tags. But there are potentially dangerous products being sold that claim to help remove these lesions. The products are sold as ointments, gels, sticks, and liquids and may contain high concentrations of salicylic acid (a chemical) or other harmful ingredients.”

The FDA has also issued warning letters to Amazon.com, Ariella Naturals, and Justified Laboratories for introducing mole and skin tag removal products not evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality, and require FDA approval.

“FDA has received reports about people who developed permanent skin injuries and infections after using products marketed as mole or skin tag removers,” it warned.

From the above investigation, it is evident that these OTC wart and mole removers are not FDA-approved and can cause more harm than benefit. It is always advisable to visit a certified dermatologist for safe treatment.