Salicylic acid occurs naturally in the bark of the white willow tree. Aspirin is derived from salicylic acid, and both aspirin and willow bark have been used to reduce fever, pain and inflammation. Salicylic acid also dissolves warts when applied to the surface of the wart daily. Several popular over-the-counter wart remedies contain salicylic acid as their primary active ingredient.
Step 1
Clean the area around the wart with mild soap and water. Rinse and pat dry with a towel. Soaking the wart in a bath or shower before you apply the paste can help the paste work better, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Step 2
Apply the salicylic acid paste to the wart with an orange stick, cotton swab or small applicator brush. Cover the wart completely with the paste, but try not to get the paste on the surrounding skin.
Step 3
Cover the paste with an adhesive bandage. This keeps the paste from wiping off on your clothing and helps the paste soak into the surface of the wart.
Step 4
Remove the bandage the next day before your bath or shower. Brush away any dried paste, and rub an emery board across the top of the wart to remove dead skin.
Step 5
Repeat this procedure daily until the wart is gone.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult your doctor if your wart doesn't respond to this treatment or if you experience any pain or bleeding.
- Salicylic acid can burn the skin. If you get any on the skin surrounding the wart, wash it off immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Towel
- Orange stick, cotton swab or small applicator brush
- Adhesive bandage
- Emery board
