Warts

Over-the-counter remedies are available which contain salicylic acid. The medication comes in a liquid, gel, pad, or ointment and softens abnormal skin cells, eventually dissolving them over many weeks.

Cantharidin is used by your dermatologist to “paint” the wart, which causes a blister to form under it. About a week later the dermatologist can remove the dead wart. A second treatment may be needed for complete removal.

Liquid nitrogen is an option your healthcare provider can use to freeze the wart. This is called cryotherapy and may require two to four treatments to properly treat the wart.

Electrosurgery and curettage involve burning the wart and scraping off the remainder with a sharp tool. The procedure might be reversed, with the scraping done first, then the electrosurgery.

Excision is the surgical removal of the wart.

Prescription topical medications may be suggested for warts that are not responding to other treatments.

Laser therapy is another treatment option for hard-to-treat warts and involves using the laser to burn the wart away.

Chemical peels are used for multiple warts in one area and require the at-home application of a prescription medication which will cause the area to peel.

Immunotherapy can take a few forms, such as applied medicine or injections, but it means using the patient’s own immune system to fight the warts.

Oral retinoid medications are rarely prescribed, but can be effective in treating stubborn warts.