The human papillomavirus, or HPV, causes warts and the common types of HPV cause warts on the hands and fingers. Hand warts don't require treatment and they can disappear on their own. However, some people seek treatment for cosmetic purposes or from discomfort that the warts cause. Personal preference influences the treatment choice for warts, as well as the location and size of the warts.
Salicylic Acid
According to Familydoctor.org, over-the-counter wart removal products that contain salicylic acid treats hand warts at home. Treating warts with salicylic acid involves a daily application of the substance, and wart removal can take many weeks. Removing warts with salicylic acid generally requires repeated treatments.
Liquid Nitrogen
The doctor freezes and destroys the wart by using liquid nitrogen. The Cleveland Clinic explains that the application of liquid nitrogen causes a blister to form under and around the wart. The dead tissue that results usually falls off within a week. Repeated treatments usually occur until the wart completely falls off.
Cantharidin
The doctor may use a mixture of cantharidin and other chemicals to remove a wart. The doctor applies the mixture to the wart and covers the entire area with a bandage. A blister forms around the wart, and the blister lifts the wart off of the skin. At the next doctor visit, the doctor removes the remaining dead skin from the wart area.
Immunotherapy
Familydoctor.org points out that the immune system in some people tends to fight off HPV viruses, and they don't get warts as easily as other people. Immunotherapy treatment boosts the immune system in those who get warts easily and who have not responded well to standard removal attempts. The treatment consists of applying a topical gel to the wart area. The warts tend to return after the treatment stops, according to the MayoClinic.com
Electrodessication and Curettage
According to MayoClinic.com, minor surgery treats warts that don't respond well to other therapies. Minor surgery removes the warts with a procedure called electrodessication and curettage. The procedure cuts the wart tissue away and destroys its base by using an electric needle.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery treats warts that haven't cleared up with other treatments, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Although effective at removing tough-to-treat warts, laser surgery costs a lot and tends to leave a scar.
