What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Warts (Verruca)

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for warts (verruca), you will usually receive advice on how to care for your skin and manage the warts. Your healthcare provider may suggest treatments you can try at home or recommend seeing a specialist if needed. Warts are common skin growths caused by a virus and often go away on their own, but treatment can help speed this up and reduce discomfort. During your telemedicine visit, your provider assessed your skin and discussed your symptoms. Following the visit, you may get instructions on applying topical medicines, protecting the skin, and monitoring changes. It's important to follow these instructions carefully and watch for any signs that need urgent care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful way to get advice but may not replace an in-person exam if your condition is complex or worsening.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Warts that become painful, swollen, or red — seek urgent medical care.
• Rapidly spreading warts or new warts appearing quickly — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Warts that bleed, ulcerate, or change color or shape significantly — get evaluated in person as soon as possible.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of common warts based on images and history.
• Providing guidance on home treatments and skin care.
• Monitoring treatment progress through follow-up video visits.
• Answering questions about wart prevention and general concerns.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical treatments like cryotherapy, laser, or surgery.
• Diagnosing unusual or suspicious skin lesions that may require biopsy.
• Managing warts in sensitive or hard-to-examine areas without in-person evaluation.
• Handling complications such as severe infection or allergic reactions.

Understanding Your Telemedicine Visit for Warts

During your telemedicine appointment, your healthcare provider examined the visible warts through video or photos. They asked about your symptoms, how long the warts have been present, and any previous treatments. This helps them decide if home care is suitable or if you need a referral for in-person treatment. Telemedicine allows quick access to advice without leaving home, but it depends on clear images and accurate history.

Common Treatment Recommendations After Your Visit

Your provider may suggest over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or recommend prescription medications to apply at home. They might advise gentle cleaning of the area and avoiding picking at the warts to prevent spreading. Sometimes, they will suggest waiting to see if the warts resolve on their own, especially if they are small and not causing problems. Follow all instructions carefully for best results.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your warts are painful, spreading rapidly, bleeding, or changing in appearance, your provider may recommend an in-person visit. Also, if you have a weakened immune system or warts in sensitive areas (like the face or genitals), a physical exam might be necessary. In-person care allows for treatments like freezing (cryotherapy), laser therapy, or minor surgery that cannot be done remotely.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

After your telemedicine visit, keep an eye on your warts. Note any changes in size, color, or number. If you start new symptoms like pain, redness, or swelling, contact your healthcare provider. Sometimes, follow-up telemedicine visits are scheduled to check progress and adjust treatment plans.

Protecting Your Skin and Preventing Spread

Warts are caused by a virus and can spread to other parts of your body or to other people. Your provider may advise keeping the affected area clean and covered, not sharing towels or personal items, and washing hands regularly. These steps help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting and clear images of the warts for the video visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms and how long the warts have been present.
• Prepare a list of any treatments you have tried before.
• Note any allergies or medical conditions to share with your provider.
• Be ready to discuss your general health and any medications you take.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider carefully.
• Keep the wart area clean and avoid picking or scratching.
• Monitor the warts for any changes in size, color, or symptoms.
• Use protective measures to prevent spreading the virus to others or other body parts.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits if recommended or seek in-person care if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can warts go away without treatment?

Yes, many warts disappear on their own over months or years as your immune system fights the virus. However, treatment can speed up this process and reduce discomfort.

Are warts contagious?

Warts are caused by a virus and can spread through direct skin contact or sharing personal items. Keeping the area clean and covered helps reduce the risk of spreading.

What treatments can I use at home?

Common home treatments include over-the-counter salicylic acid preparations and gentle skin care. Your provider will guide you on the best options based on your situation.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If warts become painful, bleed, spread quickly, or change in appearance, or if they are in sensitive areas, an in-person visit is important for proper treatment.

Can telemedicine replace all wart treatments?

Telemedicine is useful for initial assessment and guidance but cannot perform physical treatments like freezing or surgery, which require in-person visits.

Sources

1. Warts — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Common Skin Conditions: Warts — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Warts: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
4. Warts — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns or your condition worsens, please seek evaluation from a healthcare professional in person.