Flat warts are benign tumors of the skin caused by one of 60 different kinds of viruses in the human papillomavirus family. About the size of a pinhead and skin-colored, they are most often found on the face, arms, hands and knees of children. They will often go away on their own, but in some cases treatment is necessary. There are several options for removal, including an effective at-home treatment with a salicylic acid solution that causes the thick layers of skin to be removed.
Step 1
Purchase a wart removal product at your local drugstore. Compound W is a well-known brand.
Step 2
Apply the acid daily as directed by the package instructions. Normally it will be applied once or twice daily for several weeks.
Step 3
Use the acid treatment each day after you have showered and patted the skin around the warts dry. The acid will be better able to penetrate the skin immediately after a shower.
Step 4
Slough away the dead skin on and around the wart gently with an emery board or pumice stone each day before you shower. Be careful not to scrub so hard that you open the skin.
Step 5
Keep up the treatment for several weeks, until the flat warts have disappeared.
