Warts are growth segments that appear on the outer layer of skin. The growths are caused by an infection of the human papilloma virus, also known as HPV. Warts commonly occur on the hands, as well as feet, because these areas generally sustain small injuries such as cuts and scrapes where the HPV can be transmitted into.
Removing Warts
Step 1
Purchase an over-the-counter wart treatment from your local drugstore. Common preparations have the ingredient salicylic acid. Treatment can be purchased at most pharmacies.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash area. Lightly pat dry, but allow the wart to stay damp. The medication will be absorbed deeper into the wart.
Step 3
Apply a solution of over-the-counter medication. Allow to soak into the wart and let dry. A band-aid or covering the wart is not necessary when using the medication.
Step 4
Wait 24 hours. Use an emery board to file away any dead skin from the wart. Repeat treatment until wart disappears.
Step 5
Cover the wart with duct tape for an alternate treatment. The tape is left in place for six days. On the sixth day uncover and file with an emery board. Repeat this process for up to two months.
Step 6
Visit a dermatologist if treatment is not effective. Additional treatment can include laser removal, physical excision and freezing. Not all treatments are effective and many times a combination of therapies is required.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter wart removal treatment containing salicylic acid
- Duct Tape (optional)
