Some cryogenic wart removers are flammable, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a warning released Thursday.
The FDA says it has received 14 reports since 2009 of over-the-counter wart remover products catching fire during use at home, harming consumers or setting items on fire.
Singed hair, blisters, burns and skin redness were side effects described by 10 patients, said FDA nurse consultant Karen Nast.
“The labeling for these products clearly states that they are flammable and should be kept away from fire, flame, heat sources and cigarettes," Nast said in a news release on the FDA’s website.
"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."
The product, which is a mixture of liquid dimethyl ether and propane, is encased in a small, pressurized canister. The dispenser releases the mixture onto an applicator before being applied to the wart. The FDA says the dispenser generally caught fire when it was releasing the mixture.
Warts -- growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) -- can also disappear without treatment, said FDA dermatologist Markham Luke. Alternatively, patients can use gentler OTC salicylic acid treatments, or consult health care professionals who can remove warts using surgical paring, laser, or liquid nitrogen cryosurgical treatments.
If cryogenic wart removers are used at home, Luke advised patients to use the product only as directed, and to heed warnings on product labels.
