Drexel University College of Medicine

Special Topics

Wart removal

Alternative Names

Removal of warts

Information

Question:

Can warts be safely removed without seeing a dermatologist?

Answer:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing salicylic acid are often effective in removing warts. These medications are usually a liquid that can be painted onto the wart, or a pad that is placed over the wart. An OTC device to freeze warts is also available.

Keeping a wart loosely covered with duct tape for many weeks may also help it to disappear. Any wart that does not respond to OTC treatments should be examined by a dermatologist. See: Warts

References

Habif TM. Warts, herpes simplex, and other viral infections. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 12.

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