How to Get Rid of Warts: Treatment Options That Work

Warts are common skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) that can appear on your hands, feet, and other body parts. While about half of warts disappear on their own within a year, many people want faster relief. Understanding your treatment options can help you choose the most effective approach for your situation.

The good news is that several proven treatments can remove warts, from over-the-counter products you can use at home to professional procedures offered by dermatologists.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is the most common and accessible wart treatment available without a prescription. It works by breaking down the layers of the wart over time. Products containing 17% to 40% salicylic acid are available in liquid, gel, or patch forms.

Success rates: 50-70% of people see complete wart removal after consistent use. Treatment typically takes several weeks to months of daily application. For best results, soak the wart in warm water for 5 minutes, gently file it with a pumice stone every few days, and apply the treatment daily.

Professional Medical Treatments

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, destroying the infected tissue. Your dermatologist applies the freezing agent with a spray or cotton swab during an office visit. This is one of the most effective treatments, especially for warts on the hands.

Success rates: 50-80% effectiveness, with higher success for hand warts. You'll typically need 2-4 treatments spaced 1-3 weeks apart. The procedure may cause temporary discomfort and blistering.

Cantharidin Treatment

Cantharidin is a painless treatment particularly useful for children with warts. Your dermatologist applies this medication to the wart, which causes it to blister and lift away from the skin underneath. The wart typically falls off within a week.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment targets stubborn warts that haven't responded to other therapies. The laser destroys the wart tissue with precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy skin.

Success rates: 60-70% effectiveness with low recurrence rates. This option works well for warts in sensitive areas and those resistant to other treatments.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy stimulates your immune system to fight the virus causing the wart. Dermatologists may inject substances like Candida antigen or vitamin D3 directly into the wart.

Success rates: 66-95% effectiveness depending on the specific agent used. This approach often works when other treatments have failed and may help clear warts in other areas of your body at the same time.

Surgical Removal

For resistant warts, your dermatologist may surgically cut out the wart. This procedure is performed in the office with local anesthesia. While effective, surgical removal typically results in a scar, so it's usually reserved for warts that haven't responded to other treatments.

When to See a Dermatologist

You should see a dermatologist if:

• Your wart doesn't improve after several months of home treatment
• Warts spread to multiple areas or appear in clusters
• The wart is painful, especially on your feet
• You have warts on your face, genitals, or other sensitive areas
• The wart changes in appearance, bleeds, or grows rapidly
• You're unsure if the growth is actually a wart (some skin cancers can look similar)

People with diabetes or weakened immune systems should always consult a dermatologist before attempting any wart treatment.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The best wart treatment depends on the wart's location, size, and how long you've had it. Many people start with over-the-counter salicylic acid for convenience and cost. If home treatments don't work after 2-3 months, professional options like cryotherapy or laser therapy offer higher success rates.

Remember that no treatment is 100% effective, and warts can sometimes return even after successful removal. Your dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan that matches your specific situation and provides the best chance of clearing your warts completely.