Warts are caused by a virus. The virus that causes common warts is harmless, and will usually resolve on its own if given enough time. Since it can take many months or years for warts to go away naturally, some people prefer to treat them. Treatments range from home remedies, to over-the-counter preparations, to procedures done by a physician.
Step 1
Try to remove your warts with duct tape. Cover the wart with a square of duct tape, and leave it on for six days. If it becomes wet or comes off before six days have passed, replace it immediately. On the sixth day, remove the duct tape. Soak the wart in water, then rub with a pumice stone or an emery board. The next day, put on duct tape for another six days. Repeat this as necessary until the wart is gone.
Step 2
Purchase a wart-removal product. These usually are made with salicylic acid and are sold at drugstores and discount stores. One popular brand is Compound W. Generic brands are also available. Apply the ointment or drops as directed on the packaging.
Step 3
Ask your doctor to freeze your wart off. This is done with liquid nitrogen in your doctor's office. Your body will create a blister in response to the freezing treatment, and this blister should kill the wart. The dead skin and wart will peel off several days after the treatment.
Step 4
Have your doctor perform minor surgery to remove the wart. This treatment can be done with a scalpel, an electric needle, or a laser.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about medications that may help your body fight the virus causing the warts. These can take the form of a topical cream or an oral medication. Some medications to ask about include Imiquimod, Blenoxane and retinoids.
Tips and Warnings
- Removing one or more warts may not remove the responsible virus from your body, and more may occur until your body has fought off the virus.
Things You'll Need
- Duct tape
- Over-the-counter salicylic acid
