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Wart removal - Overview

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

  • Reviewed last on: 10/28/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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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