Wart remover guide: salicylic acid, pads, duct tape or freezing
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- Compound W Maximum Strength Fast Acting Liquid. Best for: Common warts on hands and fingers. See options on Amazon
- Compound W One Step Pads. Best for: Plantar warts on the foot. See options on Amazon
- Compound W Nitro Freeze. Best for: A single small wart. See options on Amazon
Is at-home treatment right for you?
The AAD says at-home treatment can be effective for one or a few small warts, but is not right for everyone. See a dermatologist instead if you have:
- Warts on your face or genital area
- A wart that is changing, hurts, itches, burns or bleeds
- Many warts, or doubts about whether it is a wart
- A weakened immune system, or diabetes
- Warts that did not go away with home treatment
The Compound W labels say the products are for common and plantar warts: a common wart has a rough, cauliflower-like surface, and a plantar wart appears only on the bottom of the foot, is tender, and interrupts the footprint pattern.
Wart remover formats compared
| Format | Example label | Label directions |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid, salicylic acid 17% | Compound W Maximum Strength Fast Acting Liquid | One drop at a time to cover each wart, once or twice daily, up to 12 weeks |
| Gel, salicylic acid 17% | Compound W Maximum Strength Gel | Same schedule as the liquid |
| Pads, salicylic acid 40% | Compound W One Step Pads | Apply a pad, repeat every 48 hours, up to 12 weeks |
Details are from the Compound W Drug Facts labels on DailyMed. The liquid and gel are flammable, so keep them away from fire and flame and avoid inhaling the vapors. All three note that skin discoloration may occur during or after use.
How to use salicylic acid on a wart
The AAD and the labels give similar steps:
- Soak. Soften the wart in warm water for 5 minutes, or after a bath or shower.
- File gently. The AAD suggests sanding the wart with a disposable emery board or pumice stone used only on the wart, every few days, so you do not spread the virus.
- Dry thoroughly.
- Apply the salicylic acid exactly as the package directs.
- Repeat daily until the wart goes away. The AAD says covering it with duct tape can make treatment more powerful.
The AAD says the treated wart should look moist and pale, which is expected. Stop for a few days if your skin becomes extremely sore or irritated, and stop and see a dermatologist for pain, bleeding or blisters. For the pumice stone itself, see our pumice stone guide.
Duct tape and freezing
Duct tape. The AAD notes that studies conflict, though one 2002 study found duct tape effective. The method is to cover the wart completely with silver duct tape, optionally over salicylic acid, and replace it every 5 or 6 days.
At-home freezing. These kits are not the same as the cryosurgery a dermatologist performs, the AAD says, but may help with a small wart. Follow the package exactly, expect some stinging, and stop if it blisters.
Give any method time: the salicylic acid labels allow up to 12 weeks of use.
Who should not use salicylic acid wart removers
- Diabetes or poor circulation. The labels say do not use; the AAD also lists neuropathy in the area as a reason to talk with a dermatologist first.
- The wrong spots. Do not use on moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, genital warts, or warts on the face or mucous membranes.
- Irritated skin. Do not use on irritated, infected or reddened skin.
- Eyes. If liquid or gel gets in the eye, the labels say flush with water for 15 minutes.
Keep wart removers out of reach of children, and contact a Poison Control Center if one is swallowed. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a doctor.
Avoid spreading warts
Warts are caused by a virus that can spread to other skin or other people. Wash your hands right after touching or treating a wart, keep it covered, and do not shave over it, pick it or scratch it, the AAD advises. Use a separate emery board or pumice stone only on the wart. For covering a wart between treatments, see our hydrocolloid bandages guide, and for fungal nail problems, which are different, our toenail fungus treatment guide.
What to look for when you buy
Compound W Maximum Strength Fast Acting Liquid
Best for: Common warts on hands and fingers
Its label lists salicylic acid 17%, applied a drop at a time once or twice daily for up to 12 weeks.
Watch out: Flammable; not for the face, moles or if you have diabetes.
See options on AmazonCompound W One Step Pads
Best for: Plantar warts on the foot
Its label lists salicylic acid 40% in a medicated pad changed every 48 hours.
Watch out: Do not use with diabetes or poor circulation.
See options on AmazonCompound W Nitro Freeze
Best for: A single small wart
The AAD says at-home freezing products may help get rid of a small wart.
Watch out: Expect stinging; stop if it blisters, and follow the package exactly.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the best way to remove a wart at home?
- The AAD lists salicylic acid, duct tape and at-home freezing for one or a few small warts.
- How long does salicylic acid take to remove a wart?
- Labels allow use for up to 12 weeks; stubborn warts may need a dermatologist.
- Can I use wart remover on my face?
- No. Labels say do not use on the face, genitals or mucous membranes.
- Why is my wart turning white?
- The AAD says a treated wart should look moist and pale, which is expected.
- Can I use wart remover if I have diabetes?
- No. Labels say do not use if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation; see a doctor.
Sources
- How to get rid of a wart at home: dermatologist tips (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Compound W Maximum Strength Fast Acting Liquid (salicylic acid) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Compound W (salicylic acid) gel label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Compound W One Step Pads (salicylic acid) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine