A Acid: Treatment for Warts and Anti-Aging Benefits

Questions related to Vitamin A acid?

Hello, Doctor.
I have three questions to ask:
1.
I often develop small viral warts on my hands and frequently seek treatment from a dermatologist.
Since they are small, they can usually be treated in one or two sessions, but new ones quickly appear elsewhere on my hands.
I have read some articles by doctors suggesting that retinoic acid (A acid) may help in treating viral warts.
I would like to know if applying retinoic acid daily, like a moisturizer, would help prevent the formation of viral warts.
My reasoning is that since the skin on the hands renews quickly, even if the virus infects the skin, it could be metabolized and shed while still very small.
Is this line of thinking correct? I have been stuck in this cycle for over a year and find it quite distressing.
2.
Given the situation described above, since warts can appear in various places on my hands, I worry about applying retinoic acid to my face, fearing that I might inadvertently transfer a wart to my face.
I have seen a case where a large number of warts, typically found on the hands and feet, infected the area around the eyes.
Therefore, I am considering wearing gloves or using a brush to apply the acid to my face to avoid contact with my hands.
However, I am unsure if there would be any chemical reactions between the acid and plastic materials (gloves, brushes) that could leach out plasticizers.
Do you have any better suggestions?
3.
I have heard that retinoic acid has mild anti-aging properties.
I would like to understand the underlying principle and, using a financial analogy (aging is like a monthly rent deduction), does it (a) increase my total assets so that even if I have to pay rent, I still have plenty of money; (b) keep my total assets the same but lower the rent; or (c) simply make my skin look better while using it, but once I stop, it reverts to how it was before? The difference between (a) and (b) is that in (a), if person A uses it and looks a year younger, even after stopping for a long time, they will still appear a year younger than if they had never used it, assuming all other conditions remain the same.
In (c), while using it, they look a year younger, but after stopping for many years, it’s like removing makeup, and they look the same as if they had never used it.
Thank you, Doctor.

123, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/23

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

1.
Most of it is not very helpful.
2.
Proper handwashing is sufficient for prevention.
I apologize, but I do not understand the third question.

Reply Date: 2022/08/23

More Info

A: Thank you for your questions regarding the use of A Acid (commonly known as retinoic acid or tretinoin) for treating warts and its anti-aging benefits. Let’s address each of your concerns in detail.

1. A Acid for Viral Warts: A Acid is primarily known for its effectiveness in treating acne and for its anti-aging properties. However, its role in treating viral warts (caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV) is less established. The idea of applying A Acid regularly to the skin in hopes of preventing the formation of warts is intriguing, as retinoids can promote skin cell turnover and may help in shedding abnormal skin cells. However, while A Acid can help in the treatment of certain skin conditions, it is not a guaranteed preventive measure against viral warts. Warts are caused by a viral infection, and while improving skin turnover might help in some cases, it does not directly target the virus itself. Therefore, while using A Acid may improve the overall health of your skin, it is not a substitute for other wart treatments or preventive measures. It is advisable to consult with a dermatologist for a comprehensive treatment plan for your warts.

2. Application Concerns: Your concern about transferring the virus from your hands to your face while applying A Acid is valid. To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, using gloves or a brush is a good idea. Generally, A Acid does not react chemically with plastic materials, so using plastic gloves or brushes should be safe. However, ensure that the tools you use are clean and free from any contaminants. Additionally, consider applying the A Acid to your face after thoroughly washing your hands to further reduce the risk of transferring any potential viruses. If you are particularly concerned, you might also want to use a separate applicator for your face to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.

3. Anti-Aging Properties of A Acid: Regarding the anti-aging effects of A Acid, it is known to promote collagen production, enhance skin cell turnover, and improve skin texture and tone. In your analogy of aging as a monthly rent payment, A Acid can be seen as (a) increasing your total assets. By stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity, A Acid can help maintain a youthful appearance over time. This means that even if you stop using it, the benefits may linger for a while due to the increased collagen and improved skin structure. However, it is important to note that the effects are not permanent; once you stop using A Acid, the skin will eventually return to its baseline condition, similar to how your financial situation would revert if you stopped making deposits.
In summary, while A Acid can be beneficial for treating certain skin conditions and has anti-aging properties, it is not a foolproof method for preventing viral warts. It is essential to maintain a comprehensive skincare routine and consult with a dermatologist for tailored advice. Additionally, while A Acid can provide lasting benefits, it is not a permanent solution, and continued use is often necessary to maintain its effects. Always follow your dermatologist's guidance on the appropriate use of A Acid and any other treatments you may be considering.

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