Wart Treatments

The common wart is a viral infection that causes small skin growths, and is most common in teenagers. Often, warts will resolve over a few months, but depending on the individual, it can last several years. Another common concern is that the warts can recur if the virus is still present and become active later. Generally, the immune system adapts to the virus over time, and removes the wart permanently. The length of time it takes for the immune system to adjust is individual.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is the most commonly used treatment for the common wart. Some treatments are available over the counter, while the stronger preparations with higher concentrations of salicylic acid will require a prescription. Salicylic acid works by dissolving the wart and the top layer of the skin which consists primarily of dead skin cells.

Salicylic acid can cause burning and redness, but it is not potent enough to cause scarring or infection. Salicylic acid should not be used on areas where the skin is thin, such as the face or the genital area, unless recommended by a dermatologist. Similarly, it should not be used on areas that are otherwise irritated already.

Duct Tape

Warts can be deprived of oxygen by covering the area with duct tape, or other non-breathing tapes. While this home remedy works in theory, its success rate is very low in practice as the tape must be held in place for nearly a week. In almost all cases, the tape falls off. This is also awkward if the wart is in an area that is visible.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a common treatment method that is convenient and effective for removing warts, and similar skin growths. Cryotherapy is the method of freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which kills the cells due to exposure to extremely low temperatures. The warts should remove themselves shortly after the procedure.