Warts and verrucae are common viral skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While some may resolve on their own, stubborn or painful warts often require medical intervention for effective removal. One of the most reliable methods for eliminating warts is electrocautery, a procedure that uses controlled heat energy to destroy wart tissue and prevent regrowth.
Electrocautery is particularly effective for thicker, deep-rooted, or treatment-resistant warts that have not responded to topical treatments or freezing methods. The procedure is quick, safe, and performed under local anaesthetic, making it a preferred choice for patients seeking fast and effective wart removal.
Our doctors use electrocautery for wart removal to ensure precise wart destruction while minimising damage to surrounding skin. This article explores how electrocautery works, what to expect from the procedure, and whether it is the right option for treating persistent warts and verrucae.
What Is Electrocautery and How Does It Remove Warts and Verrucae?
Electrocautery is a high-precision medical technique used to remove warts and verrucae by applying controlled heat energy. This method effectively destroys wart tissue while sealing off blood vessels to minimise bleeding.
Understanding the Procedure
Electrocautery involves using a fine-tipped heated probe to burn and remove wart tissue layer by layer. This ensures that the infected cells are completely eliminated, reducing the chances of the wart returning.
- Local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area before treatment, ensuring a painless experience.
- A specialised heated electrode is used to cauterise the wart, breaking it down at a cellular level.
- The treated area is then carefully sealed, minimising bleeding and reducing the risk of infection.
Why Electrocautery Is Effective for Stubborn Warts
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Highly precise removal | Targets only wart tissue, leaving healthy skin intact. |
| Fast treatment time | The procedure usually takes 10-20 minutes per wart. |
| Lower recurrence rate | Unlike freezing or topical treatments, electrocautery removes the entire wart. |
| Minimal bleeding | The heat seals blood vessels during the procedure. |
| Effective for resistant warts | Works on deep-rooted or previously treated warts that have not responded to other methods. |
Electrocautery is particularly useful for plantar warts (on the soles of the feet) and hard-to-treat verrucae that have grown inward due to pressure. This method ensures complete removal, preventing warts from spreading or recurring.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Electrocautery is a quick and straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort. Patients can typically resume normal activities shortly after treatment, with proper aftercare helping to ensure smooth healing.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Treatment
- Consultation and Examination – The doctor assesses the wart’s size, location, and severity to determine if electrocautery is the best option.
- Local Anaesthetic Application – A numbing injection is given around the wart to prevent pain during the procedure.
- Electrocautery Removal – A heated probe is applied to the wart, destroying the infected tissue layer by layer.
- Wound Sealing and Dressing – The area is cleaned, and a protective dressing may be applied to aid healing.
- Aftercare Instructions Provided – Patients receive guidance on how to care for the treated area to prevent infection and promote healing.
Recovery, Healing, and Aftercare Tips
| Recovery Stage | What to Expect | Care Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 Hours | Mild soreness, redness, or slight swelling around the treated area. | Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid touching or rubbing. |
| Days 2-5 | A scab begins to form over the treated site. Some tenderness is normal. | Avoid soaking in water. Apply antibiotic ointment if advised. |
| Week 1-2 | The scab naturally falls off, revealing new skin underneath. | Do not pick at the scab to prevent scarring. |
| Weeks 3-4 | Skin continues to heal, with redness fading gradually. | Apply sunscreen if the area is exposed to sunlight. |
| Months 1-3 | Full healing is achieved, and any residual marks lighten over time. | Follow any scar care recommendations if needed. |
Possible Side Effects
Electrocautery is a safe procedure, but like all medical treatments, it carries some minor risks.
- Temporary redness and swelling – Normal and subsides within a few days.
- Scarring risk – Minimal when aftercare instructions are followed, especially on areas with thicker skin.
- Infection (rare) – Prevented by keeping the area clean and avoiding unnecessary touching.
Most patients heal without complications, and electrocautery effectively eliminates the wart, preventing further spread or recurrence. Proper post-treatment care helps to ensure the best possible cosmetic and medical outcome.
Is Electrocautery the Right Option for You?
Electrocautery is one of the most effective wart removal treatments, particularly for stubborn, deep-rooted, or recurring warts. At City Dermatology Clinic, our experienced dermatologists and surgeons, including Mr Reza Alamouti, Mr Parviz Sadigh, and Dr Jana Torres-Grau, provide expert-led wart and verruca removal with electrocautery.
Comparing Electrocautery to Other Wart Removal Methods
| Treatment Option | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Electrocautery | Uses heat energy to destroy wart tissue and seal the wound. | Stubborn, deep, or recurring warts. |
| Cryotherapy (Freezing) | Liquid nitrogen freezes wart tissue, causing it to fall off over time. | Small, superficial warts. |
| Laser Treatment | Destroys wart tissue with high-intensity light energy. | Large, treatment-resistant warts. |
| Topical Treatments | Medicated creams gradually break down wart tissue. | Mild, non-inflamed warts. |
| Surgical Excision | The wart is carefully cut out under local anaesthetic. | Large, isolated warts needing complete removal. |
When to See a Doctor for Wart and Verruca Treatment
Some warts disappear over time, but others persist or spread, requiring professional removal. Consider seeing a dermatologist if:
- Warts are painful, growing, or spreading despite at-home treatments.
- Recurrent verrucae appear on the soles of the feet, making walking uncomfortable.
- Warts bleed, itch, or become inflamed, causing discomfort.
- Over-the-counter treatments have failed to resolve the wart after several months.
- The wart is in a sensitive area (e.g., face, hands, genitals) where precise removal is necessary.
Why Choose City Dermatology Clinic?
- Specialist-led wart removal by experienced dermatologists and surgeons, including both male and female doctors, allowing patients to choose their preferred practitioner.
- Same-day consultations and procedures available for those seeking quick and effective treatment.
- Minimal scarring and fast recovery, ensuring the best cosmetic and medical outcomes.
Electrocautery provides long-lasting results with high success rates, making it a top choice for stubborn warts and verrucae. With expert care and precise removal, City Dermatology Clinic ensures that patients receive the best treatment possible for healthy, wart-free skin.
