Warts are lesions on the skin which are caused by viral infection. They are found in persons of any age and population. They are typically benign and many will spontaneously resolve. They can be disliked because of their cosmetic appearance or because of discomfort.

Common warts start as small papules and may grow over several weeks or months to larger and thicker papules. They are commonly found on the hands. Filiform warts are slender and soft and found most often on the face and neck. Flat warts are small, discrete lesions found on the neck, face, forearms and hands. Plantar warts of the feet usually have a central area composed of black or red dots and callouses usually overlie the wart and cause discomfort. Warts that grow in the genital areas of men and women are called condylomata acuminata. Genital warts should always be evaluated by a health care provider.

Treatments for warts are variable. There are several home treatments that may be effective. If these treatments fail, you should let your practitioner know and other treatments and/or referrals can be discussed. These treatments should not be used for genital warts.

Duct Tape:

• Cut a piece of duct tape as close to the size of the wart as possible and apply to the wart
• Leave the tape in place for 6 days (if the tape falls off, reapply)
• At the end of the 6 days, remove the tape, soak the area in warm water and gently debride the wart with an emory board or pumice stone
• Leave the tape off overnight and reapply the following morning
• Continue the treatment for a maximum of 2 months or until the wart resolves, whichever comes first

Salicylic Acid:

• Soak the area for 5 minutes. Scrub the wart surface with an emory board or pumice stone
• Apply 40% salicylic acid (Duofilm or Compound W) to the wart only and allow to dry. (Be sure to read the label and only purchase a product with 40% salicylic acid)
• If the wart is on the sole of the foot, cover with a bandaid
• Repeat the above every day unless soreness or redness occurs
• Continue the treatment for a maximum of 2 months or until the wart resolves, whichever comes first

Resource: Ringold S, Mendoza J, Tarini BA, Sox C. Is duct tape occlusion therapy as effective as cryotherapy for the treatment of the common wart? Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002 Oct; 156 (10): 975-7. CJA/SCHS 1/03

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