How to Get Rid of Warts Painlessly

Warts are small growths on the outer layer of skin caused by the human papillomavirus. Common warts found on the hands may be pink, white or flesh-colored. Warts can grow on many parts of the body, so it is important to see a medical professional to prevent spreading more serious forms of the virus. Doctors can remove warts by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, but this can be an unpleasant or painful experience for some. Most warts are harmless and typically go away on their own. However, there are painless ways to remove them or help speed their disappearance.

Things You'll Need

• Salicylic acid medication
• Nail file or pumice stone
• Bandages
• Duct tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Soak the wart in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes in order to soften it. Use a pumice stone or nail file to remove dead skin from the wart and encourage your immune system to attack the excess skin growth.

• 2

  Apply a medication or patch containing a high percentage of salicylic acid intended for wart removal such as Compound W, DuoFilm or Occlusal. Cover the affected area with a bandage or piece of tape to prevent yourself from scratching the wart and spreading the virus to others.

• 3

  Repeat the process of soaking, filing, and applying medication each day for several weeks until your wart disappears. It is normal for the salicylic acid solution to cause some irritation, which indicates it is working.

• 4

  Try other home remedies if the salicylic acid medications don't work within a few weeks. Some evidence suggests that covering a wart in duct tape will successfully encourage its removal. Follow the aforementioned soaking and filing procedure before applying the duct tape. This is a potentially effective, painless and affordable alternative to more expensive treatments. Other home remedies include rubbing the wart with the inside of a banana peal or applying solutions of tea tree oil or garlic.

• 5

  See your doctor if these treatments don't work and your wart does not go away on its own after a few months. Alternatives to freezing the wart include medications, such as cantharidin, retinoids, imiquimod, squaric acid, or bleomycin. Some of these treatments may cause discomfort or pose minor risks, so they are best reserved for only the most stubborn warts.