A wart is a common skin growth resulting from infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, forming the characteristic rough, raised bump. While warts can disappear on their own, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments speed up the process. Successful removal requires patience and consistency, as treatment duration is measured in weeks or months.
Common OTC Methods and Their Typical Duration
The duration of wart treatment depends primarily on the method used, with the two most common OTC options being salicylic acid and home cryotherapy kits. Salicylic acid works as a keratolytic agent, meaning it slowly breaks down the thick, infected layers of skin. This process requires diligent daily application of the liquid, gel, or medicated pad directly onto the wart.
Most product instructions recommend continuing salicylic acid application for up to 12 weeks. Treatment may need to continue for up to three or four months for complete resolution, especially for larger or stubborn warts. Skipping days slows the removal process, as the acid must continually peel away the infected tissue.
The second primary method, home cryotherapy, involves freezing the wart using a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane. These kits are designed to cause a blister to form underneath the wart, which then lifts and causes the wart to fall off. Unlike the daily application of salicylic acid, cryotherapy is performed intermittently.
Treatments are generally spaced one to two weeks apart to allow the skin to heal from the previous freezing session. Attempt no more than three or four separate cryotherapy treatments before reassessing the situation. OTC freezing agents are less powerful than the liquid nitrogen used in a medical office, often requiring repeated attempts to penetrate the wart tissue.
Recognizing When to Stop Treatment
Determining when to stop using a wart remover is based on two factors: achieving complete success or experiencing an adverse reaction. The goal of treatment is not just to flatten the wart but to eliminate all visible traces of the infected tissue. Success is confirmed when the wart is no longer visible and the skin at the treatment site looks identical to the surrounding healthy skin.
A clear sign of success is the absence of any black dots, which are the thrombosed (clotted) blood vessels characteristic of a wart. The skin should be smooth, without any remaining grainy texture or raised tissue. If the wart appears to be gone, it is safe to stop treatment, but observation should continue to ensure the infection does not return.
Treatment must be discontinued immediately if the skin shows signs of a severe adverse reaction. While mild irritation and slight redness around the edges are common, stop treatment if there is severe pain, bleeding, or the formation of large, unmanageable blisters. Excessive irritation spreading significantly onto the surrounding healthy skin also indicates the treatment is too aggressive.
If any of these signs occur, the skin needs time to recover before deciding whether to resume treatment more cautiously or seek professional advice. Bleeding or open sores can increase the risk of infection and may spread the virus, so they must be managed with care.
When OTC Treatment Fails
If an over-the-counter treatment has been used consistently for the maximum recommended duration—such as 12 weeks of salicylic acid—and the wart remains, it is time to seek medical consultation. Persistence indicates that the wart may be too deep, large, or resistant to be effectively treated with home methods. Trying to continue past the recommended time frame can damage healthy skin unnecessarily.
Medical help should also be sought if the wart is located on sensitive areas, such as the face or genitals, where self-treatment risks scarring or chemical burns. Warts that are growing rapidly, multiplying into clusters, or causing significant pain, especially on the sole of the foot, warrant professional attention.
Individuals with compromised immune systems or conditions like diabetes should consult a healthcare provider before beginning any self-treatment. These conditions can complicate the healing process and increase the risk of infection. A medical professional can offer stronger, more targeted treatments and confirm the growth is a wart and not a different type of skin lesion.