Warts: Care Instructions
Overview
A wart is a harmless skin growth caused by a virus. The virus makes the top layer of skin grow quickly,
causing a wart. Warts usually go away on their own in months or years. There are several types of warts.
Common warts appear most often on the hands, but they may be anywhere on the body.
Warts spread easily. You can reinfect yourself by touching the wart and then touching another part of your
body. You can infect others by sharing towels, razors, or other personal items.
Most warts don't need treatment. But if warts cause pain or spread, your doctor may recommend that you use an
over-the-counter treatment. Or your doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine to put on warts or may inject
them with medicine. The doctor also can remove warts through surgery or by freezing them.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all
appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results
and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
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Use salicylic acid or duct tape as your doctor directs. You put the medicine or the tape on a wart for
several days and then file down the dead skin on the wart. You use the salicylic acid treatment for 2 to 3
months or the tape for 1 to 2 months.
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If your doctor prescribes medicine to put on warts, use it exactly as directed. Call your doctor if you
think you are having a problem with your medicine.
To avoid spreading warts
When should you call for help?
Call your
doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
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this information.