The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned some cryogenic wart removers, which "freeze" off the skin virus, have caused fires that harmed both people and property.
The administration has received 14 reports of fire that was linked to these over-the-counter wart treatments since 2009, the FDA said in a statement.
Ten of these cases have involved symptoms such as "singed hair, blisters, burns or skin redness," the news release reported.
"The labeling for these products clearly states that they are flammable and should be kept away from fire, flame, heat sources, and cigarettes. This is extremely concerning, especially because people may not be aware that everyday household items like curling irons and straight irons can be hot enough to be an ignition source for these products," FDA nurse consultant Karen Nast, RN said in the news release.
Nast noted a candle had been reported in three of the cases but no source of flame was believed to be present in the 11 remaining events. In most of the cases the nozzle of the medicine bottle caught fire as the product was being released onto the skin.
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Many treatments for the viral infection contain dimethyl ether and propane and require special care.
The FDA outlined specific instructions that are usually suggested when using wart-removal treatments containing these substances: "First, the user presses on the nozzle of a small, pressurized canister (dispenser) containing the mixture. The dispenser releases the mixture, cooled to approximately -40 degrees Celsius, onto an applicator, saturating it. (In some products, the applicator is attached to the cap.) The user presses the applicator on the wart for the amount of time specified in the product directions. An average of three to four treatments is required for warts on thin skin. Warts on calloused skin, such as plantar warts on the soles of the feet, might take more treatments."
Warts can go away on their own in some cases. If a wart is concerning or one has questions or concerns about using a cryogenic treatment FDA dermatologist Markham Luke suggested speaking with a healthcare provider.
"It's best to be on the safe side and talk with your health care professional before taking action," Luke said in the news release.
