Wart Treatment: What Works and What to Watch For

Warts are common and irritating, but most are harmless. Want them gone fast? You have choices: over-the-counter products, simple home methods, or clinic treatments. Which one you pick depends on where the wart is, how long it's been there, and your health.

Common options you can try at home

Salicylic acid is the go-to OTC treatment. You apply a liquid, gel, or patch daily to soften the skin, then file away dead tissue every few days. It usually takes 6–12 weeks of steady use. Be patient and keep the area covered to improve results.

At-home freezing kits mimic clinic cryotherapy but are weaker. They can work on small warts if used properly, but multiple sessions are often needed. Follow the directions on the box and stop if the skin gets very painful or infected.

Other home methods like duct tape or apple cider vinegar get mixed reviews. Duct tape may help by irritating the skin and stimulating an immune response; try covering the wart for a week, then soaking and gently rubbing it. Apple cider vinegar can burn healthy skin, so be cautious and avoid this on sensitive areas.

Clinic treatments and when to choose them

If OTC methods fail, a clinic offers stronger options. Doctors use liquid nitrogen freezing (strong cryotherapy), cantharidin (causes a blister over the wart), minor surgical removal, laser treatment, or topical immune drugs like imiquimod. These usually work faster but can cost more and may need several visits.

For plantar (foot) warts, pressure and thick skin make them tougher. Podiatrists often combine debridement (removing thick skin) with stronger treatments. Expect several treatments spaced weeks apart.

Genital warts need a medical exam. Don’t try over-the-counter acids or home fixes there. A clinician can offer safe, effective options and check for other concerns.

When should you see a doctor now? If a wart is painful, bleeds, changes shape or color, grows fast, or if you have diabetes or a weak immune system, get medical help. Also see a provider for warts on the face, genitals, or nails—those sites need special care.

Preventing new warts helps stop the cycle. Avoid picking or scratching, keep feet dry, wear flip-flops in public showers, and don’t share towels. Boosting general health—sleep, balanced diet, and managing stress—helps your immune system fight the virus that causes warts.

Quick tip: write the date when you start any treatment and check progress every two weeks. If you see no improvement after 2–3 months, talk to a clinician about next steps. That saves time and reduces unwanted scarring or repeat treatments.