In this Article

• What are common warts?
• What are some types of common warts?
• What is the treatment for common warts?
• Is using over-the-counter wart treatments safe?
• Are wart treatments effective?
• What if these treatments fail?
• Warts At A Glance
• Pictures of Childhood Skin Problems - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Warts (Common Warts) - Effective Treatments For You
• Warts (Common Warts) Glossary
• Warts (Common Warts) Index

What if these treatments fail?

If these treatments fail, or if you become impatient, see your doctor to freeze the wart with liquid nitrogen or burn it with an electric needle. First, however, make sure that the doctor treats warts in this manner (or some related manner) since some primary doctors do not use special methods and may refer you to a dermatologist.

Other treatments your doctor may use are:

• imiquimod (Aldara), an immune-stimulator that is approved for use on genital warts but has been reported effective in some common warts as well;



• injections of candida (yeast); or



• injections of bleomycin, an antibiotic used in cancer therapy.

Unless warts are very large and uncomfortable, surgical removal or aggressive laser surgery to remove the warts is generally avoided. Since warts are caused by a virus, they may recur following attempts at surgical removal.

Warts At A Glance

• Warts are local growths in the skin that are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• Types of warts include common warts, flat warts, plantar warts, periungual warts, and filiform warts.
• Warts typically disappear on their own with time, but it may take years.
• Warts respond variably to treatment measures.
• Over-the-counter treatments for warts include salicylic-acid preparations and freezing kits.
• Warts may recur following treatment.

References:

Sterling JC, Handfield-Jones S, Hudson PM; British Association of Dermatologists. Guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts. Br J Dermatol. 2001 Jan;144(1):4-11.

New Zealand Dermnet: http://dermnetnz.org/viral/viral-warts.html

Medically reviewed by Norman Levine, MD, Board Certified - American Board of Dermatology

Warts (Common Warts) - Effective Treatments For You

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Which wart treatments have been effective for you?

Comment submissions for this question have ended.
See 24 Viewer Comments

View Comments

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• formaldehyde-topical, Formalyde-10 - Consumer information about the medication FORMALDEHYDE - TOPICAL (Formalyde-10), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug FORMALDEHYDE - TOPICAL.
• Photodynamic Therapy - Read about photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses a photosensitizing agent and light source to treat cancers (skin, lung, esophageal, Barrett's esophagus), acne and rosacea.
• Skin Tag - Read about skin tags (acrochordons), benign skin growths thought to be caused by skin friction, treatment, removal and other causes. Plus, see a picture of a skin tag.

Read more Warts (Common Warts) related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Health Tip: Dealing With Warts