Covering your wart with duct tape will block out air and sunlight and irritate the wart. The irritation then causes your immune system to attack and kill the wart tissue. In a lot of cases, this treatment is enough to kill the wart without any need for medical treatment. Keeping your wart covered will also help prevent you from spreading the virus that causes warts to other people (and to other parts of your own body). [4] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
For a more subtle appearance, use flesh-colored medical tape or a self-adhesive bandage that’s similar to your skin color.
Eventually, this treatment should start to wear away the top layer of skin where the wart is located and leave you with fresh, healthy skin underneath.
If your wart still isn’t improving after 8 weeks, try a medicated treatment or talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about other options, like cryotherapy (freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen). [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Try soaking the area in warm water for 10 minutes to soften up the dead skin before scrubbing the wart. Salicylic acid is a pretty gentle treatment, but sometimes it can cause mild side effects, such as skin irritation or stinging. See your doctor if you have more serious side effects, such as widespread hives or itching. Get emergency medical care if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, mouth, or throat. [11] X Research source Some people recommend using apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil as alternatives to salicylic acid, but there’s not a lot of science to back up these home remedies.
A few popular brands include Dr. Scholl’s Clear Away Wart Removers, Compound W Medicated Strips, and Curad Mediplast Corn, Callus, and Wart Remover. Some wart patches or bandages are clear, so they don’t show up as much against your skin. Alternatively, look for flesh-toned patches that match your skin color. You can also get special cushioned patches to treat painful plantar warts (warts that grow on the bottom of the foot).
Avoid piling on too much makeup, since it can cake up on warts and other blemishes and make them look more obvious. [14] X Research source If the wart looks reddish, use a color-correcting primer or concealer that’s either green or yellow-based. [15] X Expert Source Ashleigh GroundsMakeup Artist & Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 22 April 2020. If you use makeup on a wart, always clean your brushes thoroughly afterwards to keep the infection from spreading. Never share makeup tools or other personal items with others while you have a wart. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Once the wound is mostly healed, protect it with sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 to prevent scarring or discoloration. You can also use a concealer or foundation with sunscreen for extra coverage and protection.
Call your doctor right away if you find a growth on your skin and you aren’t sure what it is. While it’s probably nothing to worry about, it’s important to make sure you’re not dealing with something more serious, like skin cancer.
Cryotherapy may be more effective when it’s combined with a medication, such as a salicylic acid cream. Unfortunately, this treatment can be a little painful, and it might leave a blister or discoloration in the area where the wart was. Talk to your doctor about ways to minimize these side effects. You may need to return for a few treatments to completely get rid of your wart.
Cantharidin causes a blister to form around the wart. Your doctor will apply the medication to the wart in their office, then have you return in a few days so that they can cut off the dead tissue. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Trichloroacetic acid is stronger than salicylic acid, so it can burn away a stubborn wart faster. Your doctor will shave off some skin from the surface of the wart, then apply the acid. You may need several treatments over the course of a few weeks. [21] X Research source These treatments can cause mild side effects, such as burning and stinging.
Curettage involves scraping the wart tissue away with a sharp surgical tool. During electrosurgery, your doctor will burn the wart away with an electric current. These treatments might sound a little scary, but don’t worry—your doctor will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area first. For especially hard-to-treat warts, your doctor might recommend alternative treatments, such as laser treatments, chemical peels, or injections of medications that may kill or shrink the wart.
