Warts eventually go away on their own, but the Mayo Clinic states it can take many months. Most people treat them with various remedies, from freezing to rubbing a cut potato on the wart to covering it with duct tape. Salicylic acid is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter medications. It removes many warts effectively.
Definition
The National Institutes of Health defines salicylic acid as a keratolytic agent. This type of medication is available over the counter and is applied topically as a wart remover. It is used for many other skin conditions, too, such as acne, corns, calluses and psoriasis. NIH explains that it works by softening the skin and loosening the affected area of thick or overgrown skin cells. It does not kill the human papillomavirus, which is the underlying cause of warts, so they may recur after salicylic acid treatment.
Use
Salicylic acid must be applied to your wart daily, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends. Purchase an over-the-counter medication and put it on the wart. It is available as a liquid or medicated pad. Wash the affected area before application. File down the wart tissue with a pumice stone or emery board the following day, wash the area and reapply the salicylic acid preparation. A damp wart absorbs the acid more readily, and filing gets rid of dead tissue.
Location
The AAFP explains salicylic acid is an appropriate treatment for warts on common body parts such as the fingers, hands, legs, knees and feet. It should not be used on genital warts because acid can harm this sensitive area. Avoid using it on facial warts without a doctor's specific instructions.
Time Frame
Salicylic acid is not an instant wart remover. The AAFP states it may take weeks or months for the skin growth to disappear completely. The medication must be applied daily during this period for maximum effectiveness because the effect is cumulative.
Side Effects
Salicylic acid can have side effects when used topically for wart removal. NIH advises it may cause a stinging sensation and skin irritation. These effects are usually minor and do not prevent most people from continuing to use the medication. They should be reported to your doctor if they become severe.
Alternatives
Freezing is a common wart removal alternative for people who don't want to use salicylic acid. Freeze treatments sometimes work more quickly than acid, but the AAFP warns they can take several weeks to completely eradicate the growth. The Mayo Clinic cites surgical or laser cutting as removal options for warts that do not respond to salicylic acid or other treatments. These are usually a last resort because they may scar your skin.
