What Medicine Can I Take to Remove Warts?

According to the Mayo Clinic, warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and they're most likely to show up on your hands, feet, genitals and legs. Over 100 different types of HPV exist, and finding the right medication can feel overwhelming, as several options exist. Your dermatologist might have the solution with medications or procedures; however, you might find relief from over-the-counter medications, too.

Treatment

• For more troublesome warts, you might want to see your dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology, though, says that young children can be treated for warts at home with a salicylic acid gel. They say that the medicine doesn't hurt, but it can take several weeks for it to get rid of the wart. Dermatologists could also use Cantharidin, a substance that causes a blister to form under the wart. For adults and older children, though, the Academy recommends cryotherapy---freezing---the wart. Generally, treatments need to be repeated at one or three week intervals. Burning the wart and laser treatments are available for stubborn warts that haven't responded to other treatments. Your dermatologist might also recommend Bleomycin, a medication that is injected into the wart and kills the virus. The Mayo Clinic also says that Retinoids---which are derived from Vitamin A---come in cream and oral form and are used to disrupt the wart's growth.

  Immunotherapy is a treatment that utilizes the body's natural ability to fight off warts. The Mayo Clinic says that these medications are applied topically, and your dermatologist might even inject one of these medications into your wart. Immunotherapy treatments include squaric acid dibutylester and Imiquimod.

  In addition to seeing your dermatologist, you could try some home and over-the-counter remedies to treat your warts. Make sure to keep your wart(s) dry, as the wart virus thrives in a moist environment. If you shave your legs, be mindful that the razor doesn't touch the wart, as it could spread the virus to other parts of your leg.

  At your local drug store, you'll find several over-the-counter treatments; however, "The Doctors' Book of Home Remedies for Women" suggests finding a solution that contains salicylic acid, as it will most effectively get rid of the wart. Find a solution that comes in dropper form, cover it with a bandage and leave it on overnight for maximum effectiveness. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, though, as wart medications can also cause irritation in nearby, healthy cells.

  Along with medications, make sure you're getting enough Vitamin A. Evidence suggests that Vitamin A builds your immune system and can help you fight warts. Find Vitamin A in carrots, peas, leafy green vegetables and squash.