Wart removal
Question:
Can warts be safely removed without seeing a dermatologist?
Answer:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing salicylic acid are often effective in removing warts. These medications are usually a liquid that can be painted onto the wart, or a pad that is placed over the wart. An OTC device to freeze warts is also available.
Some people think that covering the wart with duct tape may help it go away. However, studies have not proven that this works.
Any wart that does not respond to OTC treatments should be examined by a dermatologist. See: Warts
Alternative Names
Removal of warts
References
Habif TM. Warts, herpes simplex, and other viral infections. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 12.
Updated: 4/22/2012
Reviewed by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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