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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

Bonnez W, Reichman RC. Papillomaviruses. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2009:chap 144.

Review Date: 12/11/2009
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/11/2009).
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