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Salicylic Acid for a Common Wart

Salicylic acid is a time-tested treatment for the common wart. It is inexpensive, sold over-the-counter and usually effective in a short period of time.

  1. Effect and Types of Salicylic Acid

    • Salicylic acid comes in two main forms for use on warts: bottles of salicylic acid or pads treated with the acid. You can buy it over-the-counter, though a stronger formula is available by prescription. Salicylic acid is usually effective on small common warts, or on small clusters of warts.

    How to Use Salicylic Acid

    • Wash the area around the wart thoroughly before applying salicylic acid. Apply the salicylic acid one drop at a time while skin is still damp for greater effectiveness. Reapply the salicylic acid twice daily. Skin will begin to slough off until the wart is gone.

    Tips

    • Use an emery board between applications and after showering to file away dead skin. Don't apply the salicylic acid to any skin other than the wart itself, as it might irritate or even burn those areas. Don't use salicylic acid on genital warts.

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