Warts can persist for up to two years if you don't treat them, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, there are home treatment options to destroy the ugly little bumps. Salicylic acid is one of the most popular treatments, and it's readily available over-the-counter. It's simple to use, although it can take some time for the wart to completely disappear.
Definition
The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, explains salicylic acid is a topical medication classified as a keratolytic agent. It softens thick, dry skin to help it slough off and reduces redness and swelling. The Mayo Clinic explains this makes it useful for treating a variety of skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, corns, dandruff and warts.
Benefits
Warts are abnormal skin growths triggered by the human papillomavirus, which comes in 100 different varieties, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The cells multiply rapidly, forming a small, rough growth on the fingers, hands, feet, face and other body parts. Most warts are not painful unless they are on the feet an subject to pressure from walking. However, they can be embarrassing if they are easily visible and many people dislike the skin imperfection. Salicylic acid is beneficial because of its softening effect on skin.
Types
The Mayo Clinic explains salicylic acid for wart treatment is available in several different forms. It comes in a liquid variety or impregnated in adhesive pads and bandages. The liquid is dripped directly onto the wart, while pads and bandages are fastened over it. All of these products are effective but some are more convenient for certain locations. For example, adhesive pads are easy to apply to plantar warts on the bottoms of the feet, while liquid or bandages work well on the hands and fingers.
Use
Salicylic acid often takes several weeks or months to completely dissolve a wart. Each product has its own instructions, but generally the acid must be applied regularly because it works over time. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends putting it on after a bath or shower because it is absorbed more readily by damp skin. Gently dry the skin with a towel before application. Reapply the salicylic acid as advised on the product label. It will gradually slough away the wart. File any dead skin with an emery board, rough-bristled brush or pumice stone before re-medicating the area.
Warning
NIH warns salicylic acid should never be applied to genital warts because they are in a very sensitive area. It should be used with caution around the eyes, nose and mouth. If it gets in those areas, they should be flushed with water for 15 minutes. It can irritate the skin with normal use, but this usually lessens or stops within a few days.
