But if youre targeting heavy-duty plantar warts on your feet that are more difficult to remove because theyre surrounded by thicker skin, it's best to consider Dr. Scholls FreezeAway Wart Remover Dual Action (view at Amazon) treatment, which uses freezing technology and salicylic acid together to remove those unwanted bumps speedily. our process. Here are the best over-the-counter (OTC) wart removers on the market. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Before applying over-the-counter medication, doctors suggest soaking the wart in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes to help the medication penetrate the skin better. Salicylic acide may effectively treat some warts. One-fifth of all warts disappear within six months, and two-thirds are gone within two years. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Another over-the-counter option is using a freezing spray. Dr. Scholls ClearAway Wart Remover is a popular patch because its strips are invisible and discreet. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common hand warts, warts under the nails, mosaic wars, and flat warts. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. But don't apply your favorite zit-zapping spot treatment to a wart and expect it to disappear. Your California Privacy Rights. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain. They usually look cauliflower-like, and they can be itchy and irritating. Care Science Solid-Stick Wart Remover is like the bandage options but without the bandage. You may develop a blister around the wart after the freezing. Plantar warts are rough warts that usually develop on the feet, causing pain when they are under pressure (such as when you walk). retailers. "They are applied directly to the wart like a Band-Aid and left in place for it to slowly exfoliate the wart away." They often start small (the size of a pea), but they can grow and coalesce into very large areas. Its also important to remember that getting rid of a wart can be a tricky and prolonged process, which Dr. Sessa says is due to its viral nature; even once your wart goes away, the virus can lie dormant in healthy-looking cells, and can become active again at any time. Getting rid of warts at home takes time. Learn what they are. Updated hourly. A 40 percent concentration has been proven effective in the [OTC] treatment of warts. Angie Seelal, PA-C, of Advanced Dermatology PC, You need to avoid treating surrounding skin, which may be difficult, Takes time to see results and you need to be consistent with treatment. Keep the area clean with an antiseptic or anti-bacterial. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. "Over-the-counter salicylic acid is always helpful, but you generally need to see a board-certified dermatologist and do things like cryotherapy or intralesional injections," explains New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, who treats especially stubborn warts by compounding 70-percent salicylic acid with topical fluorouracil. They commonly develop on childrens faces. Warts may cause symptoms and signs such as pain, itching, bleeding, and discomfort depending upon their location. "If thewartis small or skin irritation is occurring around thewart, protect your skin by applying Vaseline or Aquaphor Healing Ointment like a moat to the normal skin surrounding thewart," she says. Treatments such as blistering with a product called cantharidin, cryotherapy, electrosurgery (burning) and curettage (scraping), and excision are commonly used by specialists, Seelal explains, but not without some discomfort. The best over-the-counter wart removers contain salicylic acid or liquid butane. Some of these warts are associated with cancer. "Repeat this treatment nightly until thewartis completely clear, but be sure to skip treatment if you are experiencing pain or skin irritation.". what is the best over-the-counter wart remover center, Rohini Radhakrishnan, ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, What Is the Best Over-the-Counter Wart Remover? Compound W Maximum Strength Fast Acting Gel Wart Remover, Best for Plantar Warts: Can be used for common or plantar warts, which are usually on feet, Some users find salicylic acid application difficult. The warts can appear anywhere on the skin where sexual contact has occurred. Human papillomaviruses cause warts, which are small growths with a rough texture. Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. Some examples are Compound W, Duofilm, and Occlusal HP. If someone is unable to be seen by a medical professional, then an OTC wart remover can be used for skin tags, depending on their size and location, says Seelal. Burning or cautery with an electric needle or a laser, Applying acids stronger than over-the-counter ones to help destroy the wart, Injecting bleomycin into the wart. HPV strains that cause warts are 31, 33, 45, 58 and few others. Over the years she has written about health crises, vaccines, and product guides. Compound W Maximum Strength One Step Invisible Wart Remover Strips, 14 CT, 2 Pack, Compound W Maximum Strength Fast Acting Gel Wart Remover with 12 ConSeal Patches, 0.25 oz, Compound W Dual Power 2-in-1 Wart Treatment Kit and One Step Pads (14 Count), Compound W Freeze Off Advanced Wart Remover with Accu-Freeze, Multicolor, 1 Count, WartStick Maximum Strength Salicylic Acid Solid-Stick Common and Plantar Wart Remover 0.2 Oz, Zymaderm Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment Duo - Fast Acting, Safe and Painless Tea Tree Oil Body Wash & Wart Reducer for Kids and Adults, Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away MAX Wart Remover 10 Applications, Safe to use on Children 4+, Our Fastest Treatment Time, Dr. Scholl's Liquid Wart Remover (.33 oz) with 20 Cover Up Discs, Safe for Children and Kids 4+, Salicylic Acid for Plantar Wart Removal, Compound W One Step Wart Remover Strips for Kids, 10 Medicated Strips, Dr. Scholls FreezeAway Wart Remover Dual Action, 7 Applications / Freeze Therapy + Powerful Fast Acting Salicylic Liquid to Remove Common and Plantar Warts, Dr. Scholls FreezeAway Wart Remover, 12 Applications / Doctor-Proven Treatment to Rapidy Freeze and Remove Common and Plantar Warts, WARTICIDE Fast-Acting Wart Remover - Plantar and Genital Wart Treatment, Attacks Warts On Contact, Easy Application (1 Fluid Ounce), WartStick Maximum Strength Salicylic Acid Solid-Stick Common and Plantar Wart Remover 2 Pack, 0.4 Oz, Skin Clinic FREEZE n CLEAR Advanced Wart Remover, #1 Wart Removal Technology with Doctors Worldwide, (12 Precision Applicators), SOMXL, Genital Wart and HPV Removal Treatment, 0.5 oz, 120 Patches Skin tag Remover, Tags Dries and Fall Away, Natural Ingredients, 3 Pack (Each Pack 40 Patches), Skin Tag Remover Micro Skin Tag Removal Kit with 24 Micro Skin Tag Bands Mole Remover for Face, Neck and Body-Micro Skin Tag2-4mm), Dr. Scholls Clear Away Plantar Wart Remover for Feet, 24 Medicated Discs & 24 Cushioning Pads // Maximum Strength Without A Prescription, Liquid Skin Tag Remover Patches Extra Strength*2, Liquid Skin Tag Removal Mask, Exclusive Formula Wart Remover Mask To Remove Skin Tag & Wart Faster (Size 1.5mm), Compound W Nitrofreeze | Wart Removal | 1 Pen & 5 Replaceable Tips, Boiron Thuja Occidentalis 30C Wart Removal Homeopathic Medicine for Painless Removal of Warts from Plantar (Feet), Hands, and Other Bodily Warts - 3 Count (240 Pellets), Kelinul 2 in 1 Skin Tag Remover - Auto Skin Tag Remover Pen with 40 Micro and Regular Skin Tag Bands, User-Friendly, Safe and Painless Remove Small to Regular (2mm-8mm) Sized Skin Tags, Skin Tag Remover,Painless Skin Tag Remover Pen,Skin Tag Removal Kit Tools with 40 Micro and Regular Skin Tag Bands,Easy Skin Tag Remover Device to Remove(2mm-8mm) Skin Tags (2in1 Kit), Wart Remover - Safe for Sensitive Skin Natural Pain Free Salicylic Acid Free Patented Treatment for Plantar Genital Facial Warts by Terrasil (14gm), Curad Mediplast Corn, Callus, & Wart Remover, 40% Salicylic Acid Pads for topical removal of corns, callus, or plantar warts (25 Pads), Compound W Wart Remover Liquid and Pad Pack, 0.31 oz Salicylic Acid Liquid and 14 One Step Pads, Boiron Thuja Occidentalis 12C Homeopathic Medicine for Painless Wart Removal - 80 Pellets, Care Science Wart Remover Freeze, 8 Applications | 1-Step Cryogenic Wart Removal for Common Warts on Hands, Elbows, & Knees or Plantar Warts on Feet, Dr. Scholl's ClearAway Wart Remover with Duragel Technology, 9ct / Clinically Proven Wart Removal of Common Warts with Discreet Thin and Flexible Cushions, Optimal for Fingers and Toes, Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. "Whenwartsoccur on your extremities, they can typically be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) products containing high concentrations of salicylic acid.". Over-the-counter drugs (OTC) used to get rid of warts include cryotherapy (freezing the wart). Some people have reported warts getting smaller by applying toothpaste on them. Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid 40% | Dosage: Apply bandage to wart, repeat every 48 hours for up to 12 weeks. Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. If youre seeking to hide subtle warts on more visible parts of your body Dr. Scholl's ClearAway Wart Remover with Duragel Technology is a great option thanks to its clear strip making it easy to conceal your warts, while targeting them. A 40 percent concentration has been proven effective in the [OTC] treatment of warts.. Warts are contagious. If you decide to treat your own wart, your first-choice remedy should be an over-the-counter medication in liquid, gel, pad, or ointment form. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Warts or verruca vulgaris are one of the most common dermatological complaints. A weak immune system may be a risk factor for warts in the genital region and elsewhere. What causes them, and what you can do about them. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Read our. As a health writer, Marlene Lenthang knows just how important it is to find the right product for your body and mind. What's considered a high level? This product is best for warts that are located on hard-to-reach places like fingers and toes. Our most popular products based on sales. The medical term for genital warts is condyloma acuminata, and it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Over-the-counter medications are availablein liquid, gel, pad or ointment form. The sprays generally contain liquid butane and are sprayed directly onto the wart to freeze and kill the tissue. While most common warts go away on their own, wart removers can get rid of the pesky, dome-shaped bumps. Unfortunately, sometimes it canalthough its not a guarantee. However, in most people, your body will eventually recognize the virus, and your immune system will naturally clear thewart, sometimes even without treatment," says Prather. First, soak the wart in water for five minutes to help the medication penetrate the skin. Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid 17% | Dosage: One drop to cover wart, once or twice daily for up to 12 weeks. Different types of warts that occur in different parts of the body are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and they present differently. All rights reserved. 2006;4(4):273-293. doi:10.3121/cmr.4.4.273. After applying the over-the-counter salicylic acid treatment, the area should be covered with a piece of duct tape. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. "With continued use, the wart should fall off.". User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Dr. Lupo says irritants and exfoliants like salicylic acid are excellent options for tackling stubborn plantar warts. These compounds require daily treatment, often for at least several weeks. Common warts appear as raised bumps where the outer layer of skin becomes hardened. Seelal says you may not need an OTC treatment to see your wart disappear; unless youre immunocompromised or have diabetes, many peoples bodies recognize the virus and naturally clear the wart. This product first freezes the wart off and breaks it down with the acid so the body can heal with new, wart-less skin. "Liquid nitrogen is commonly used in a professional setting to freeze and selectively kill wart virus-infected skin cells," says Zeichner. Smell fresh all day long with these natural picks. There is no cure but there are fast treatments to help get rid of them. "These strips contain 40 percent, ultra-high concentrations of salicylic acid," he says. How do I know if I have genital warts or skin tags? Dont be fooled by this unassuming little stick, which some users say is the size of a typical type of Chapstick; the WartStick wart remover packs a powerful punchwith 40 percent salicylic acidto get rid of even years-old warts. Examples of freezing treatments include Compound W, Dr. Scholls Freeze Away, Histofreezer Wart Removal and Wartner Wart removal. Genital warts are confined primarily to the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. All rights reserved. Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. We researched dozens of wart removers and evaluated them for reviews, active ingredients, form, application type, and duration of treatment. Foot pads can be conveniently left in place, Bandage may not stay in place with all activities, You may need to buy several packages to last the maximum 12 weeks. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Bleomycin is a medication that kills, Injectingmedication to promote the bodys immune system to fight off warts, Prescription topical medication called imiquimod to help improve the body's ability to fight warts (mainly helpful for genital warts). Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Clin Med Res. Children and young adults are more prone to getting warts because they have a weaker immune system. "Wartscan be more common in individuals with immunosuppression. Yes, the same salicylic acid in your acne-fighting products. Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid 17% | Dosage: Follow package instructions for freezing; 24 hours later, apply one drop of the salicylic acid liquid to the wart twice a day for two weeks. Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV fact sheet. "Over-the-counter nitrous oxide serves a similar function to help kill and remove warts.". Over-the-counter and medical treatments can help get rid of warts. Whether you're currently dealing with ingrowns or are generally prone to post-shaving irritation, have no fear. See additional information. Ever better: It doesn't have the potential drippiness of the liquid formulas. If you try an OTC treatment and it doesnt work, you may need to get professional care from a dermatologist. You should not reuse the same washcloth or pumice stone or you may keep reinfecting yourself with the wart virus. This product is one of the strongest non-prescription wart removers available on the market, and its safe to use for kids over the age of four. The HPV virus (genital warts) in men can cause health problems. "Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate and remove dead cells from the surface of the skin," says board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Joshua Zeichner. This is a great option for those timid about more aggressive freezing options. Bhanusali prefers to use 17 percent salicylic acid liquids, like DuoFilm Salicylic Acid Wart Remover, not as the main course of action in wart removal but as a supplement to in-office freezing treatments. A wart in the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor's degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University. Warts or verruca vulgaris are one of the most common dermatological complaints. MedTerms medical dictionary is the medical terminology for MedicineNet.com. Getting rid of warts takes time and regular use of over-the-counter products for a few weeks. Dr. Scholl's FreezeAway Wart Remover Dual Action, The 5 Best Athlete's Foot Treatments of 2022. Another reason to see a dermatologist when you get a wart: "Wartscan occasionally be associated with certain types of skin cancer," Prather says, noting that, in addition to the cryotherapy (freezing) and injections Bhanusali mentioned, a qualified doctor can also provide laser treatments and oral medications that boost viral immunity and help hasten wart clearance. The 9 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin, According to Dermatologists, See What Plantar Warts Look Like on Your Feet, The 8 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin of 2022, How Keratolytics Can Help With Skin Flakes, The 10 Best Salicylic Acid Face Washes to Battle Breakouts, How to Know If That Bump Might Be a Genital Wart, The 7 Best Dandruff Shampoos for Soothing Itchy Scalps, The 7 Best Ingrown Hair Treatments for Safe Removal. Since the process for removing skin tags is similar to that of wartsyoure basically trying to dry the skin out enough to cause shedding of the top layer of skin, loosening the tag so it falls offyou can double up on your wart remover treatment for this other common skin condition. 2022 Cond Nast. Daily treatment is required for at least several weeks to see results. Most people develop an immune response that causes warts to go away by themselves. "Compound W's Fast Acting Liquid contains 17 percent salicylic acid that can be brushed onto thewartdaily," says Zeichner of the popular formula, which may take up to 12 weeks to work. If the medication spills onto normal skin, it can result in ulcers, so be very careful. Terms of Use. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection (STI, STD) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). 2005 - 2022 WebMD LLC. Wart removal can hurt depending on their location and the modality used to remove them, says Seelal. Genital warts stem from a sexually transmitted infection that comes from sexual contact with someone who has HPV. They can spread from one part of the body to another, either by touching or shaving. Flat warts are small and have some thickened skin around them. This will help to both adhere and penetrate the salicylic acid into the skin. Signs and symptoms of genital warts in women include vaginal, vulva, or groin pain, itching, and burning where the wart(s) is. It is the most common STD in the US. Gardasil vaccine available for female adolescents and teens to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer. Then gently rub off dead skin cells with a washcloth or pumice stone. Marlene Lenthang is a freelance writer covering beauty and wellness for Verywell Health. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. These pads have adhesive to stick onto your foot and conceal unattractive warts and bumps while tackling the warts with concentrated 40 percent salicylic acid. It is in the rare situation that a wart is gone with a single treatment. Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid 40% | Dosage: Apply a thin layer to the wart daily, as needed, for up to 12 weeks. Genital Warts vs. Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid 40% | Dosage: Apply to the affected area, remove after 48 hours, and repeat as needed for up to 12 weeks. Some doctors say that the best treatment for warts is no treatment at all. The application method combined with the mega-dose of salicylic acid in the WartStick is probably why it works so well; spread a thin layer of the treatment on your wart using the stick once a day for up to 12 weeks. A slew of reviewers claim that they saw results with this product in less than a week. Terms of Use. Learn about each condition and how to tell the difference. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are transmitted through sexual contact. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, U.S. Monkeypox Vaccine Demand Exceeds Supply, New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988, Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Artificial Intelligence to Spot the Red Flags ofSuicide Risk, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Picture of Verruca Vulgaris After Treatment. These treatments are usually available as a liquid, gel, or pre-treated patch that you apply like a band-aid to your wart, but we like this nifty little stick because its portable, non-messy, and can treat multiple sizes of warts, from teeny-tiny ones to larger ones. She takes careful note of doctor recommendations, medical research, and customer reviews in every product review to assure readers can choose quality products and understand the science behind them. The blister and the wart should disappear within a few days. Warts can grow on the body with a rough and grainy texture. Temperatures can reach as low as a negative 100 degrees. Ad Choices. The good news is: You may not even need an OTC treatment to see your wart disappear. Of all warts, 30% will subside within the first four months of infection. HPV enters the skin and multiplies rapidly. If over-the-counter treatment fails, your doctor can remove a wart by: Getting rid of warts takes persistence. Warts can occur at any age. Unless youre planning to freeze your wart, a product containing salicylic acid is a good bet. Removing genital warts does not prevent the infection from spreading elsewhere on the body. Compound W's Maximum Strength Fast Acting Gel is formulated with 17% salicylic acid and works instantly to remove warts, which is why we chose it as our top pick. Oftentimes, your doctor will do a treatment in the office while you continue to do at-home treatments. It typically takes weeks of daily use to completely get rid of the wart with this treatment, so you need to be patient and consistent. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Vaseline in and of itself is not a wart-removal treatment, but according to Prather, it can be a big help in guarding non-effected skin from the salicylic acid in the liquid formulas. Compound W Maximum Strength One Step Plantar Wart Remover Foot Pads, Best with Salicylic Acid:
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