Warts (Nongenital)

Home care

There are several methods you can use to treat warts at home.

The overnight treatment:

1. Soak affected area in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Make sure to test water beforehand so that it isn't scalding. You should be able to comfortably place the affected area in water.

2. Trim dead tissue with a pumice stone, emery board, or other tool your healthcare provider has advised, or that you feel comfortable using. Clean this tool well after use, so you don't spread the virus elsewhere.

3. Apply an over-the-counter medicine that has salicylic acid. Cover the wart with an adhesive tape.

4. Repeat as tolerated. Follow the product directions until the wart goes away.

The duct tape method:

• Apply a small piece of duct tape to the wart for 6 days. The tape should cover the entire wart. At the end of the sixth day, remove the tape and soak in warm water. Then scrub the area gently with a pumice stone or emery board. Let the wart stay open to air overnight. Then reapply the duct tape the next morning and follow the same routine.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. Let your provider know if the wart doesn't go away after 2 months of the above treatment.

When to get medical advice

Get medical care right away if any of the following occur:

• You are unsure that the spot is really a wart

• A wart appears on the bottom of the foot, genitals, or eyelids

• There are signs of infection, such as fever, redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus

• The wart itches, burns, or bleeds