It is not commonly used to treat warts in New Zealand. Electrocautery or diathermy physically destroys the warts by burning them. Local or general anaesthesia can be used. Curettage and scissor or scalpel excisions directly remove the warts. Suturing is rarely required.
Some pain is likely.
Secondary bacterial infection is an occasional complication. It is a cytotoxic agent i.e. it destroys abnormal cells. It can result in very painful erosions so it is not recommended for routine treatment of warts and should not be used in pregnancy. Other therapies Interferon is an antiviral agent that is effective when it is injected into genital warts. Systemic and topical interferon have not been found to be helpful for genital warts.