Compound wart is another name for common warts, a raised area of skin caused by a viral infection. Most warts are caused by some strain of the human papilloma virus explains the National Institutes of Health. These warts often appear on the hands and feet.
Adult warts aren't likely to disappear on their own, but they don't always need treatment. When warts are bothersome, unsightly or great in number, an individual may benefit from removing the wart. Several over-the-counter products may be effective over time. Stubborn warts require medical removal by chemical freezing or laser burning. Consult a health care provider before attempting to remove a wart at home.
Step 1
Wash the hands with soap and water before beginning wart removal treatment. Wash the area to be treated with soap and water.
Step 2
Slough off some of the wart skin cells with an emery board or a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush.
Step 3
Apply a small amount of salicylic acid to a cotton swab and press it onto the wart. The acid comes in various forms, including liquid and gel. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter wart remover products. Consult a health care provider about using such a product on a compound wart.
Step 4
Allow the salicylic acid to dry a few seconds before covering it with a bandage.
Step 5
Uncover the wart and repeat the cleansing and acid application once per day until the desired effect is achieved.
Step 6
Keep the wart dry and free of friction to prevent exacerbating the wart or creating new ones.
Tips and Warnings
- Try an over-the-counter wart removal product kit. These products come in a variety of convenient application methods, such as bandages and foam. MotherNature.com recommends piercing liquid vitamin A capsules and applying the contents to the wart on a daily basis. Castor oil can also be applied to the wart before covering it tightly with a piece of bandage tape. The tape should only be removed when cleaning is necessary. This tape should be worn continuously for three weeks.
- Don't apply acid to skin or a wart that is oozing or bleeding. This can be a sign of infection and requires medical treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Water
- Emery board or soft brush
- Salicylic acid
- Cotton swabs
- Bandage
