20-05-2025
8 Things To Get Rid Of Your Warts At Home
Warts are a prime example of a skin condition that's stubborn, bothersome and a possible source of embarrassment for some. We're told by board-certified dermatologist and skin care founder Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose that these potentially painful bumps and clusters are 'extremely common' and spread when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters the skin through microscopic breaks or cuts.
'Common warts can occur on many areas of the body, especially the hands and fingers. Plantar warts typically develop on the soles of the feet and palms and can become painful due to pressure,' she says, adding that flat warts, which are often smoother in appearance, are often found in clusters on the face, legs, or backs of the hands.
Given their high contraction rate and potential for reoccurrence (yes, they are contagious), you may be in search of some at-home solutions that can rid your complexion of these bumpy burdens once and for all — and Murphy-Rose says that these treatments certainly do exist.
Both Murphy-Rose and another expert we spoke to suggest consulting your dermatologist before doing any of the at-home treatments that we've rounded up here, based on their product recommendations and guidance.
A cryotherapy kit
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch at MDCS Dermatology said that cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, is a common in-office wart removal treatment. He suggested this Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away kit, which essentially replicates the process at home and claims to start working in just one treatment. Inside this kit is a pressurized canister with 12 freezing applications, 12 precision-tip applicators, and easy-to-follow instructions. Compatible for both common and plantar warts, many reviewers claim that this treatment is effective and minimally painful. "If you find that these treatments are not working, make sure to visit your dermatologist, although most are harmless, it is always good to make sure," Gratch said. Get it from Amazon for $21.07.
A 40% salicylic acid wart-remover stick
Board-certified dermatologist and skin care founder Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose said that salicylic acid-based treatments for warts exist over the counter, and we found this convenient, solid stick formula that contains a 40% concentration. Effective for both common and plantar warts, the Wart Stick has a non-greasy and waxy consistency and can be a good option for larger warts that medicated bandages can't cover or that might be too big for freezing treatments. This pain-free and odorless treatment contains up to 35 applications and claims to adhere to the surface of warts to penetrate to the root for a more effective removal. Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
A freezing kit with a variety of precision tips
Another freezing treatment recommended by Gratch is this advanced wart remover by Skin Clinic, which comes with 12 application tips that are two different sizes, so you can apply the cryogen solution with greater precision and avoid damaging the surrounding skin. The brand claims that this is a medical-grade formula that gets as cold as —67 degrees for effective results. Get it from Amazon for $16.49.
A classic roll of Duck Tape for occlusion removal
According to Murphy-Rose, occlusion therapy involves covering the wart with duct tape to restrict oxygen and suffocate the wart. It might even be useful to cover the wart with duct tape post-treatment Tape is a classic and trusted duct tape option that promises strong adhesion, a waterproof backing and conforms to uneven surfaces. If you don't already have a roll at home, you can grab one here in a variety of yard lengths. Get it from Amazon for $7.16+.
Medicated and waterproof bandages
"If you're waiting to see a dermatologist, it's best to keep the area covered with a bandage or medical tape to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other areas or to others," said on that guidance, we selected these Compound W bandages, which come in a discreet sheer material, come pre-medicated with a salicylic acid-based solution so you can treat your warts while you keep them covered. These strips promise to be waterproof and offer some cushion between the wart surface and high-friction areas like the inside of shoes for more comfort. According to the brand, apply the medicated strip to warts every 48 hours until it's gone. Get it from Amazon for $8.15 (also available in two other styles and a multi-pack).
Medicated cushioning pads for plantar warts
"[Warts] can grow deeper and more painful over time, especially on weight-bearing areas like the feet," said Scholl's treatment patches are specifically formulated and designed for plantar warts, which are common and appear on the soles of the feet, according to Gratch. We chose to include these medicated and adhesive pads because they contain a 40% concentration of salicylic acid and offer a surrounding cushion to make it more comfortable to stand on your them from Amazon for $10.15.
Several pairs of fresh socks
Murphy-Rose explained that warts contain virus particles that can easily be shed onto socks and shoes. "Wearing clean socks daily and avoiding shared footwear like sandals can also help reduce the risk of spreading," she said. In case you need to replenish your existing stock, this highly rated multi-pack from Amazon contains eight pairs of long-stapled cotton socks that are breathable, feature a no-show and non-slip design and promise to be breathable. Shop them in two sizes and four neutral colors. Get them from Amazon for $16.89.
A popular pair of cushioned shower slides
"Warts are more easily spread over moist skin, which helps warts to spread onto feet in areas like public showers or around swimming pools," said Murphy-Rose. These popular waterproof cloud slides, which we selected, can be a great option if you frequent gyms, swimming pools or shared shower spaces so you can avoid contracting warts. They have a lightweight, delightfully bouncy and cushioned sole with an anti-skid outer sole to keep you from slipping. You can get these in gender-neutral sizes and 16 colors. Get them from Amazon for $23.99.
