How to Cure & Prevent Skin Warts

Skin warts are little growths that can show up anywhere on the body, although they are most common on the soles of the feet, the hands and fingers. They can even grow under a nail. They are not dangerous and will eventually go away on their own, but this can take months or years. Most people choose to treat their warts, and many take steps to prevent them from returning once they are cured.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Purchase an over-the-counter wart treatment product with salicylic acid as its active ingredient. The Mayo Clinic says these products are often effective at curing warts if you use them regularly. You can buy a liquid or medicated pads. Pads are easier to use, as you can position them over the wart and they will adhere to your skin. Manufacturers make products geared to the wart location, such as foot pads to treat plantar warts.

2. Apply the product as directed on the package. If you are using a liquid, you may need to put several drops on the wart and bandage it. If you are using pads, you simply remove the backing and press them firmly in place.

3. Reapply the medication as directed, filing down the wart in between applications. Familydoctor.org says you will usually have to apply it daily. The acid will destroy the wart tissue, which you can then remove by filing it down with a clean emery board. Rub the wart gently, then rinse and dry it before reapplying the medication.

4. Keep the previously infected area clean and dry once you have cured the warts. Familydoctor.org says that a cure can take several weeks or months, and warts are prone to return. The Mayo Clinic says they thrive in moist environments, so thorough drying can help prevent a recurrence.

Tips & Warnings

• There are other treatment options if your warts cannot be cured by salicylic acid. Familydoctor.org says you can buy a wart freezing kit or visit your doctor for cryotherapy or a stronger medication.
• Warts can be spread while you are treating them, so you should never pick at them or chew your nails or fingers around a wart. Never reuse an emery board that has been used on warts for any other purpose. Don't shave over a wart and then shave other body parts, and don't let the blood spread if a wart bleeds.

References

• Mayo Clinic
• Family Doctor

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