1. Try Over-the-Counter Salicylic-Acid Remedies
Over-the-counter home remedies that contain salicylic acid can help to treat and remove warts. These products require daily use until the wart is removed. Salicylic-acid remedies should not be used for prolonged periods of time if you have diabetes or are pregnant or nursing. These remedies may also result in drying around the skin surrounding the wart. This side effect can be prevented by first applying a donut-shaped wart cushion around the wart and then applying the salicylic-acid treatment directly to the wart.
2. Take Prescription Medications
Retinoic acid, such as tretinoin, is another medicine for warts. Additionally, topical agents containing benzoyl peroxide or 5-fluoracil can be effective as can immune modulators, such as imiquimod (Aldara). Other options include glycolic acids or other surface-peeling preparations. These prescription medications do have side effects, but they vary from individual to individual, so check with your medical practitioner regarding any concerns you may have with the option that is prescribed.
3. Invasive Approaches for Wart Removal
Cryotherapy, cantharidin, electrocautery, laser treatment or minor surgery may be used for flat, common and plantar warts. Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart while electrocautery burns the wart off. Cantharidin, a substance extracted from a blister beetle, is directly applied to the wart. The application is painless, but a skin blister may form, which can be uncomfortable. Laser or minor surgery is used to remove the wart and surrounding tissue completely, preventing repeat occurrences. However, these approaches can lead to minor scarring.
4. Duct-Tape Therapy Is an Option
A controversial approach is the use of duct-tape therapy to treat warts. The approach involves covering common warts with duct tape for 6 days and then soaking the warts in warm water and subsequently filing them with an emery board or pumice stone. However, some recent studies have shown this approach to be ineffective. Prior to attempting it, consultation with a medical practitioner is recommended.
