From the Research
No, warts do not die if you deprive them of oxygen, as they are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that infects skin cells, and these infected cells don't require direct oxygen exposure to survive. Some key points to consider when treating warts include:
- Covering warts with duct tape or other airtight materials may help eliminate them, but this works through other mechanisms like irritation, immune stimulation, or physical removal of infected tissue—not oxygen deprivation 1.
- Effective wart treatments include over-the-counter salicylic acid products, which should be applied daily for several weeks after soaking and filing the wart; cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen; prescription treatments like imiquimod cream; or procedural options like laser therapy or surgical removal for persistent warts 2, 3.
- These treatments work by directly destroying infected tissue or stimulating the immune system to fight the virus, rather than suffocating the wart.
- Warts can sometimes resolve on their own as the immune system eventually recognizes and clears the infection, but treatment speeds this process 4, 1. It's also worth noting that the most effective treatment may vary depending on the type and location of the wart, as well as the individual patient's response to different therapies 2, 5. In terms of specific treatment options, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is a highly effective treatment for common warts, with a cure rate of 49% in one study 2. Additionally, salicylic acid products are a cornerstone of wart treatment, with approximately four out of five warts healing within 1 to 3 months 3. Overall, the best approach to treating warts will depend on the individual patient's needs and circumstances, and may involve a combination of different therapies.